The first course of Byzantine Hagiography was held on April 10, 2021, in the event hall of the Community of Saints Constantine and Helen.
The hierarchical head of the Community, Fr. Gedeon Varytimos, performed the sanctification rite. Then, he said that he was pleased to see all for the new program of Byzantine Hagiography: “We try to give this historical community of Saints Constantine and Helen what it really deserves. To […] manage to become an example…”
Referring to the fact that this community is now becoming known for its accomplishments, Fr. Gedeon said that this was due to the people with whom it cooperates and to all those who support every effort of the Community, through the courses of Byzantine Hagiography, community events or the preservation of hagiographies that has already begun as reported by ekirikas.com.
Father Gideon thanked the hagiographer, Miltiadis Afentoulis. Addressing the attendees, he stressed, among other things, that Afentoulis had shown his skills and said, when one loved his job, the result would be more beautiful.
Fr. Gedeon thanked the treasurer of the Church Council and head of the Byzantine Hagiography program, Amalia Bournias.
Bournias thanked Fr. Gideon for his full support, as well as Afendoulis. He invited all those who wish to see the artistic work of Afentoulis to visit the Holy Temple after class.
Speaking about Byzantine Hagiography, Afentoulis said that it was a traditional art with origins from ancient Greece, which symbolized the sanctity and life of the saints. “Everything has a meaning, nothing happens by chance,” he stressed while encouraging the students to pray and read the life of the saints before they start painting. Finally, he mentioned that hagiography was a very nice, spiritual occupation.