THE GREEK PRIME MINISTER MEETS THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC

 

This is a delayed post, but interesting

Athens, 25th August 2022

Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, met with the President of the Greek Republic, Katerina Sakellaropoulou, at the Presidential Mansion. 

The Prime Minister said that "despite the difficulties, the country conveyed an image of unity and confidence during the bicentennial 1922."

He added "I think it was an opportunity to reflect what we have achieved over 200 years, to learn from our mistakes and to draft with confidence a path for the future  And this remark is connected with a very important announcement made by the government where for the first time we are presented publicly and in detail of the axes of the National Recovery Plan, which is a result of the significant additional European funding provided by the country to deal with the coronavirus crisis"   

 

                 

RABBIT STEW

1 rabbit, 2 kilos, cut into portions

1/2 cup olive oil

1 onion, peeled and chopped

1 cup dry white wine

1 tsp oregano

1 kilogram of baby onions, peeled 

6 baby artichokes, leaves, and chokes discarded 

1 cup tomato juice 

Salt and pepper to taste 

1 tbsp lemon juice

Saute the rabbit in olive oil until golden on all sides add the chopped onion and simmer for 2 minutes. Pour in the wine and simmer until the alcohol evaporates, sprinkle with oregano.  Season to taste add the baby onions and a cup of water.  Cover the saucepan and allow the rabbit to cook for 30 minutes until tender.

Add the artichokes, the tomato juice, and a cup of hot water and simmer until the vegetables are soft. 

Just before serving pour in the lemon juice. Serve piping hot sprinkled with freshly ground black pepper.         

                 

RUSSIAN UKRAINE WAR

 Kremlin-appointed Kherson leader reportedly flees to Russia.  First grain ship from Ukraine docks in Djibouti, Africa. 

Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Russian soldiers to flee for their lives after his forces launched an offensive to retake southern Ukraine.

A senior presidential advisor, Olexsey Arestovych, cautioned Ukrainians not to expect rapid gains and describes the offensive as a "slow operation to grind the enemy."

The former head of Britain's Secret Intelligence Service M16 has welcomed Ukraine's counterattacks in Kherson saying it is a key moment in the war.

Sir Alex Young told the BBC that the fightback from Kyiv showed the opposing forces "have reached some sort of a balance which is an unexpected but a welcomed situation."

The Kremlin insisted that the so-called "special military operation" in Ukraine is going to plan despite the news, that Kyiv's troops have launched a long-awaited counteroffensive in the south of the country.

Volodymyr Zelensky has met the director of the International Atomic Energy, Rafael Grossi, and his delegation ahead of the group's visit to the Russian-held Zaporehrhia nuclear power plant in the southern part of Ukraine.

A key advisor to Ukraine's president accuses Russian forces of deliberately shelling his country in order to obtain Crimea and other regions occupied by the above-mentioned forces.

The European Commission said it will donate 5.5 potassium iodide to Ukrainians amid fears of fighing near the nuclear power plant could lead to nuclear catastrophe,                           

PINE KERNEL SALAD

  1 cup pine kernels

1 kilo aubergines

1/4 tsp salt

Freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

1/4 cup olive oil 

1/4 cup vinegar or lemon juice

Finely chopped parsley for garnish 

Pulse the pine kernels in a blender until they become a paste. Wash the aubergines and pat them dry. Wrap them one by one in foil and bake until their skin is charred, let them cool down, and peel them,  Place them in a colander and let them drain.  Place them in a food processor with the garlic, salt, pepper, and pine kernel paste.  Whip adding olive oil drop by drop and then in a stream until well combined. Continue whipping and add vinegar or lemon juice to your choice,

Spoon the pine kernel salad in a bowl, cover the bowl with cling film and refrigerate.  Serve with small pieces of pitta bread   

A CENTENARY OF THE ASIA MINOR DISARSTER

Visitors to the 86th Thessaloniki International Fair will have the opportunity to learn about the darkest part of Greek history, the Asia Minor Disaster of 1922  in an exhibition that marks the centenary since the events unfolded. 

The exhibition "AEON in Ionia, Thrace and Pontus" will take visitors on an audio-visual journey that spans moments of the lives of Ethnic Greeks living in Turkey before the forced exchange of populations, the refugees fleeing from Asia Minor, Thrace, and Pontus to Greece after the Greek genocide by the Ottoman Turks. The burning of Smyrna.   It is terrible for us, Greeks, to have such aggressive neighbors.    

Erdogan daily says that Greece opposes Turkey which is a great lie, it is exactly the opposite.   He refers to unlikely events that happened in 1922 which are completely imaginary. He says that the Turks pushed the Greeks into the Aegean sea.    

 Fortunately,  Greece, the European Union, and the USA are opposed to Turkey and are going to put further sanctions on the Turkish government.  

STUNNING MOSAIC DEPICTING THE TROJAN WAR FOUND IN ENGLAND

 Archaeologists in the UK have recently uncovered a stunning mosaic from the Roman era depicting the famous battle between the protagonists of the Trojan War, Achilles and Hector.  

The artwork measuring 11 meters (36 feet) by 7 meters (22.9 feet) was discovered in the county of Rutland, central England, during excavations of an elaborate villa complex made of a host of structures and other buildings, dating to the 3rd or 4th centuries AD.  

Duncan Wilson, Historic England's chief executive described the find as "remarkable",  Historic England is a public body that helps people care for, enjoy and celebrate England's historic environment.

John Thomas of the University of Lancaster told the Press Association that it was "the most exciting Roman mosaic discovery in the UK in the last century" and a "very well preserved example of a villa in its entity". 

He added that the person who commissioned the artwork had "a knowledge of the classics who had the money to commission a piece of such detail."

The Trojan War as described magnificently in Homer's "Illiad" is so vivid that it is considered by many to be an actual fact and not simply an epic poem.  

As described by Homer, Hector is one of the principal defenders of Troy and very nearly won the war for the Trojans.

After Achilles temporarily deserted the Greeks. Hector stormed the  Greek camp, wounded Odysseus, and threatened to burn the Greek fleet until Agamemnon rallied his troops and repelled the Trojans.

Later, with Apollo's help, Hector killed his best friend the great Greek warrior Patroclos and stole his armor which really belonged to Achilles.

Enraged at the death of his friend Achilles reconciled with Agamemnon and joined the other Greeks in fighting against the Trojans in order to pursue Hector. 

As the Greeks stormed the Trojan castle Hector came out to meet Achilles in single combat wearing the fateful armor of Achilles, taken off the body of Patroclus.  Achilles armed and shot his spear into a small gap in the neck killing Hector. 

The Trojan War is significantly described by Homer and we are very lucky to have such beautiful mosaics discovered for all to admire!

  

THE MINOAN SNAKE GODDESS PART 2

Since the discovery of the so-called Minoan "Snake Goddess," it has been debated whether British archaeologist Arther Evan's ideas or overstatements about the Minoan culture are right.

Contemporary research focuses on whether there was polytheism in Minoan Crete and what the connection between the Minoan religion of the Greek myths was. 

The snake is one of the oldest creatures on earth, with many peoples and cultures imprinting movement, primary essence and energy of the universe. as well as the dead and the "Earth Goddess" or "Mother Goddess" of the chthonic, prehistoric cults. 

It was precisely this connection with chthonism, matriarchy and the opposition of the "Olympian" anthropomorphic, polytheistic world of the gods of Homer and the historical Greeks that the historical Cambridge School  of thought sought 

Its heyday coincided with the discovery of the Minoan culture, Today, however these hypotheses have been confirmed to a small extent. The original proto-Hellenic precursors of the ancient Greek religion had yet to reveal many details and secrets .

  The most sacread  part was the Snake Goddess of Crete.                          

FANOUROPITA

 Saint Fanourios is named from the Greek word fanerono (to reveal). The saint helps to find lost possessions,  

 The 27th of August is the Saint's name day and cooks bake a special cake in his honor, Here is the recipe:

Ingredients 

1 cup vegetable oil

1 cup sugar

1 1/2 cups orange juice

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup brandy

3 cups of self-rising flour

1 tsp baking powder

2 tbsp cinnamon 

1/4 cup raisins

1/2 cup chopped walnuts 

Icing sugar for topping  

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F) In a large bowl beat oil and sugar until sugar dissolves.

Pour in the orange juice, vanilla, brandy, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, raisins and chopped walnuts. Mix everything well together until a smooth batter is formed

Spoon the batter in a round tin and even the surface. Bake for 45 minutes to one hour or until a tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.  Cool in the tin before reversing on a round dish.  

Serve the Fanouropita sprinkled with ample icing sugar.          

                   

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AKAR ISSUES NEW FRESH THREATS ABOUT GREECE

 Turkey's Defence Minister, Aulust Akar,  has warned  Greece not to take actions that will make it regret it in the future,

His comments were made in an interview with Turkish "Huriet Daily" released on Friday, the 100h anniversary of the Great Offensive under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Attaturk against Greek forces in 1922.  

Friday also marks the anniversary of the 1071 battle of Manzerccurt and the Turkish conquest of Anatolia

Meanwhile, many years have gone by and Greece is a strong country and a member of the European Union.

Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in a televised speech told us Greeks that we are strong and we have a strong army and we are not afraid of the daily verbal aggression of Erdogan and his cabinet.      

                   

       

NEW DISCOVERY REVEALS TRHIVING POP CULTURE IN ANCIENT GREECE.

   A new discovery by a British archaeologist at UK's Cambridge University reveals that in ancient Greece there was a thriving pop culture. 

Professor, Tim Whitmarsh, studied a little-known text, written in ancient Greek, showing that stressed poetry, the ancestor of modern poetry and song was already in use in the 12th century BC 300 years earlier than what was previously thought. 

Short syllables characteristic of traditional "quantitative verse" this text employed stressed and unstressed syllables. 

Until now, "stressed poetry"  of this kind has been unknown before the 5th century when it began to be  used in Byzantine Christian hymns 

Professor Whitmarsh told Cambridge University magazine "You didn't need specialist poets to create this kind of musicalized language, the diction was very simple, so this was clearly a democratizing form of literature.  We are getting an exciting glimpse of old pop culture that lays under the surface of classical culture."

This new study published in the "Cambridge Classical Journal" also suggests that this poem could represent a "missing link" between the lost world of ancient Mediterranean poetry and the modern forms we know today,            

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RUSSIAN UKRAINE AND OTHER IMPORTANT NEWS

 Food commodity prices slim down over the summer. the prices of wheat, corn, and other commodities that make up the basis for much of the world's food supply fell sharply over the summer. It will be a difficult winter with parts of the world reaching starvation.

Russia says the station attack was on Ukrainian military soil. The death toll from the Russian rocket attack on the train station and the surrounding area as Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day climbed to 25 including at least two children, Ukraine authoriies said.

 

Russian President, Vladimir Putin, ordered the Russian military to increase the size of the country's armed force by 137.000 amid Moscow's military action against Ukraine. 

Ukraine's fears run high over fighting over a nuclear plant.  Ukrainians are once again anxious and alarmed about the nuclear plant that was home to the world's worst atomic accident in 1986 at Chernobyl. 

Energy bills are skyrocketing  A deepening cost of living is about to get worse in Europe with millions of people expected to pay 80% more a year on their household energy bills starting in October.  

The moving vans have already started arriving at 10 Downing  Street, as Britain's Conservative Party prepares to evict Prime Minister, Boris Johnson. 

The debate over a hat mark he left on his party, the country and the world will linger long after he departs in September if indeed he is really gone for good, What a terrible Prime Minister with a messy legacy the Britons have. Please, dear friends. next time don't vote for the wrong candidate.           

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   Nikos Androulakis, born 7th February 1979 is a Greek politician and President of the Movement of Change (KINAL)  and the Panhellenic Movement (PASOK) since 2021  and in 2019 he was elected as a Member of the European Parliament.

In June 2022, experts notified him that his phone was trapped with a Spy work Predator.  Soon after, he filed a complaint with Greece's top persecutors over bugging his cell phone with surveillance software.

The scandal led to the resignations of the Chief of the National Intelligence Service, Panayiotis Kontoleon, as well as the Secretary of the Greek Primeminister, Gorgos Dimetriades.  Greek government officials and the opposition parties blame each other for this important and serious matter, with the Greek Prime Minister saying at a press conference he had no idea of the issue and that if he did he would do all possible to prevent it  

       

MARY'S FRESH APPLE CAKE

 This is a delicious, juicy cake that my dear friend Mary Xenakis used to bake for us so many years ago.  You could use almonds and hazelnuts instead of walnuts.

112,5 g ( 1/2 cup) butter or margarine softened

400 g (2 cups) or less sugar

2 eggs

300 g (2 cups) plain flour

2  tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp grated nutmeg 

1 tsp cinnamon

4  apples, peeled and finely chopped

75  g (1/2 cup) chopped walnuts 

First mix the flour with the salt, baking powder, and spices. In a large bowl, stir the butter, sugar, and eggs until just combined. Then add the flour mixture and finally the apples and walnuts and stir until just combined. Spoon equally in two loaf tins. 

Bake in an oven preheated to 180 C (350 F) for one hour. Thank you Mary dear, for the delicious recipe! Serves 8-10     

         

VALENTINI GRAMMATIKOPOULOU

Grammatikopoulou 25-year-old Greek tennis player won the first WTA title of her career in Canada   

Valentine Grammatikopoulou. of Greece, won the highest-level title of her career topping No 2 Lucia Bronzetti of Italy 6-2 6-4 to clinch the WTA 125 Odium Brown Van Open in Vancouver, Canada,  

Gremmatikopoulou said "The key was to keep smiling and just play tennis. The results did not matter.  So many people came and supported me and I really enjoyed it didn't mind if I win or not."

The humble words of a top Greek tennis player.  Well done Valentini!         

O PIO KALOS O MATHITIS

 O pio kalos o mathetis imouna ego stin taxi

Ke i daskali me ihane min brexi ke min staxi  

And  a rough translation:

I was the best student in class 

And the teachers showed me affection and respect     

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS

     According to the International Committee of the Red Cross, the reports from Olenvika are devastating Our thoughts are with the families in their pain and heartbreak that someone they love could have been killed in this horrific, unacceptable attack.

The International Committee of the Red Cross strongly condemns this and all attacks on unarmed people, with many murdered by the Russian troops 

These attacks are war crimes and Russia will be strictly penalized by the Geneva Convention of Human Rights.             

CHOW MEIN WITH FRIED NOODLES

 500 g (1/2  lb) lean pork, cubed 

3 tbsp butter

2 tbsp peeled and minced onions

2 1/2 tbsp plain flour

2 1/2 cups chicken stock

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp paprika

1 1/2 cups diced chicken

1 cup mushrooms 

3/4 cup threaded and diced celery

Fried noodles 

2 tbsp soy sauce

Saute the pork in a  little butter all over until slightly brown. Season with a little salt and plenty of paprika and set aside. 

Saute the onions in one tbsp butter until transparent and set aside.  

Mix the pork and onion together and pour in the chicken stock, season to taste with salt and paprika, and cook until the pork is tender and the sauce thickens.  Add the diced cooked chicken, celery, and mushrooms. 

Serve with fried noodles drizzled with soy sauce       

SUKIYAKI

 1/4 lb butter

2 1/2 fillet of beef, cubed

2 1/2 cups tasty beef stock

2 cups chopped celery

1 lb mushrooms  

Boiled rice

Roasted almonds and raisins

Saute the spring onions, mushrooms and celery in a  little butter until transparent and set aside.  Add the meat and cook on both sides. season to taste and pour in the beef stock and simmer until the meat is tender,

Serve with boiled rice, sprikled with almonds and raisins 

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COURGETTE QUICHE

 PASTRY

1 1/2 cup self-rising flour

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup soft butter

1 egg yolk

4 tbsp yogurt or more

2 tbsp bread crumbs 

1/4 cup grated cheese

FILLING

1 tbsp olive oil

500 gr thickly grated courgettes

3 medium carrots peeled and finely grated

1 medium onion, thickly grated

Salt, pepper and nutm0eg to taste 

1 tbsp chopped dill  

TOP 

90 gr Emmenthal grated

70 g Parmesan, grated

90 gr Gouda, grated

For the pastry, rub the flour and butter together until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg yolk and enough yogurt to obtain a soft, pliable dough Wrap with cling film and let rest for 30 minutes.

For the filling saute the vegetables in olive oil add salt, pepper and nutmeg.  Lower the heat and add the chopped dill and sweat until the mixture resembles a puree, adding a little hot water. if necessary, Add the cream and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated and the vegetables are thoroughly cooked and cool. 

Preheat the oven to 180 C (350 F) and roll out the pastry in 2 sheets. Line a round tin with one of the pastry sheets. spoon in the filling,  sprinkle with the grated cheeses and bake for 35 minutes or until crisp and golden keeping the second sheet of dough for a spinach quiche    

GIANNIS ANTENTODOKOUMBO

    Giannis Antendocoumbo leads Greece to an easy win over Poland.   He and his team overpowered Poland  101-76 at the Acropolis tournament.   

The Greek freak won 24 points in almost 23 minutes and grabbed all the rebounds showing his great ability in the game.    

EUROPEAN UNION UKRAINE RELATIONS

 Even before Ukraine came under attack from Russia in February 2022, the European Union was keen to support Kyiv and forge closer links.

Since withdrawing from the Soviet Union, Ukraine has been keen to pursue its own path including forging links with the rest of Europe.

Ukraine's relations with Russia have been tense due to the latter's determination to keep the country within its sphere of influence.

Let us hope that the terrible attacks of Russia against Ukraine, killing many people including young children will stop and peace will reign in the area.         

SPINACH PIE

 1.5 kg (3lb) fresh spinachA

1 onion, peeled and grated

3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

2 leeks, sliced. thoroughly washed and patted dry 

2 eggs

1 kg (2 lb) feta, crumbled

Salt and pepper to taste

6  sheets of phyllo pastry

Wash and dry the spinach and set it aside, Cook the onion. garlic and leeks in olive oil until transparent. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.  Add all the other ingredients except the phyllo pastry and a little olive oil. 

Brush a Pyrex dish with olive oil  and line with 3 oiled sheets. Spoon over the spinach filling and cover with remaining oiled sheets and bake in an oven preheated to 180 C (350 F) for 35 minutes or until the pie becomes crisp and golden.  

 

VEAL COOKED IN LEMON JUICE

 1 kg (2 lb) veal, cut into bite-sized pieces

Olive oil, divided

1 onion, peeled and grated

4  cloves garlic, peeled and minced

2  carrots, peeled and finely sliced

1 cup white wine

2 bay leaves

1/2 cup lemon juice

1 cup water

Salt and pepper to taste

1 1/2 tsp cornflour 

1 ts curry powder

Saute the onion and garlic in a little olive oil until transparent.  Add the meat and cook on both sides, season to taste, pour in the wine and cook until the alcohol evaporates, about 5 minutes.

Add all the remaining ingredients, except the cornflour and curry powder, and simmer until the meat is tender.  

In a small bowl, place the cornflour and curry powder add the liquid from the saucepan and stir until diluted,  

Then pour back into the saucepan and simmer until thick.    Serve with steamed rice after  discarding the bay leaves 

THE DORMITION OF THE VIRGIN MARY

 August 15th (Dekapentavgoustos) is one of the most important in the Greek Orthodox calendar. as the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos is celebrated, It is a national and religious holiday that marks the kimisis (falling asleep) of Panagia, the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Feast also commemorates the Assumption of the body of Theotokos into heaven. Her body was laid in a tomb near the Garden of Gethsemane. But three days later, when Apostle Thomas went to present his respects he found the tomb empty. The Assumption of Panagia's body was also confirmed by an angel 

Commemorating and preparing for the Dormition of the Theotokos in Greek Orthodox households begin on August 1st with fasting.

Paraklisis Services are performed in Greek Orthodox parishes, worldwide on the eve of the Feast which consists of supplications and prayers for the Dormition of the Theotokos A Great Vespers is held on the evening on the day before the Feast i is celebrated with the Divine Liturgy of John Chrysostomos. 

Devout Greek Orthodox people make a pilgrimage to the island of Tinos, where it is told Panagia made an appearance before and told her where to find the icon which has healing properties.

There are also huge celebrations at Panagia Soumela at Mount Vermion and Panagia Ecatontapiliane at Paros. 

                          

RUSSIAN NAVY HAS BEEN DEGRADED

 Russia's navy has been "significantly degraded" by blasts at a Russian-operated airfield the UK Ministry of Defence says. 

The  Saky base in the west of Crimea was damaged by a series of blasts killing at least one person.  

Eight Russian combat jets were lost as a result of the blasts the UK Ministry of Defence said, on its daily intelligence update.  

Ukraine has not claimed responsibility, but satellite images reveal the possibility of a targeted attack. 

The news could not come at a worse time for Russia, as Ukraine's Ministry of Defence has released a video of an intercepted call between an occupier in Ukraine and his friend in Russia, insulting Putin's failing army. 

The video shared on Twitter was accompanied by a caption: "It is time for them to go home, while they still, can." A strong message to Vladimir Putin's forces 

Elsewhere Ukraine has warned of a nuclear catastrophe, worse than that of Chornobyl is facing Europe as fighting rages around the Zaporitsa plant.  

The nuclear plant, which is Europe's largest, was seized by Russia in the early days of the war and it claims Ukrainian shells landed just 10 metres away from the building, which is a great lie, it's exactly the opposite.        

GREEK BEAN SOUP - FASOLADA

 500 g (1 lb) beans soaked overnight 

2 onions, peeled and grated

3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

Olive oil 

4 tomatoes, halved, deseeded, grated, skins discarded

Salt and pepper to taste

Water

Saute the onion and garlic in olive oil until transparent. Drain and add the beans, and the grated tomato, season to taste and cover with water and simmer gently until the beans become tender and the mixture thickens into a soup.  

Fasolada is a comforting, healthy, and delicious soup to serve.      

 

THE FULL MOON OF AUGUST

 The full moon of August is especially full, and it is welcomed in Greece,  on these warm summer nights with a number of special cultural events.

Many archeological sites and museums are open to the public with free admission all over the country. 

Seeing the ancient sights by the light of Selene is a wonderful experience!   

 

GREEK AUBERGINE DIP (MELITZANOSALATA)

  4 large purple aubergines

1 onion, peeled and grated

2  cloves of garlic, peeled and minced

125 ml olive oil, divided

80 ml lemon juice 

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup chopped parsley

Bake the aubergine in an oven preheated to 180 C (350 F)  until tender.

Remove from the oven and cool a little, cut in half, and scoop out the aubergine flesh into a mixer.

Saute the onion and garlic in a little olive oil until transparent, place in the mixer with the aubergines, and pulse until the mixture becomes smooth.  Place in a bowl and sprinkle with chopped parsley.   

Serve with warm crusty bread and chunks of feta.   

 

STRIKES AT UKRANE'S NUCLEAR PLANT PROMOTES THE UN CHIEF FOR DEMILITARISATION

    Russia and Ukraine accuse each other of shelling Europe's largest nuclear plant as the UN chief proposed a demilitarised zone of the site amid fears of a catastrophe.  

Ukraine's Energoatom agency said that the Zapaseizhshier complex was struck four times. including, where radioactive materials are stored, said Russian-appointed officials said Ukraine shelled the plant twice, disrupting a shift in changeover, Russia's  TASS news agency said.

The UN Security Council met to discuss the situation,  Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, called on both sides all fighting near the plant "The facility must not be used as part of any military operation urgent agreement is needed at a technical level to demilitarise the area" Guterres said in a statement. 

At a Security Council meeting, the United States backed the call for a demilitarised zone and urged International Atomic Energy to visit the site.

    

 Russia's UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenska said the world was being pushed "to the brink of Nuclear catastrophe, comparable to that of Chernobyl". and said the International Atomic Agency could visit the site this month.    

Ukrainian President, Vodymir Zelensky declared Russia returns the nuclear plant to Ukrainian control. 

"Only a full withdrawal of Russia and the full restoration of Ukrainian control of the situation around the station inaugurating a resumption of nuclear security for all Europe, " he said in a  video address.

Ukraine has also accused Russia of firing rockets around the captured nuclear plant in the knowledge it would be risky for Ukraine to return fier

Separately, satellite pictures showed the devastation at the base in Russian-annexed Crimea. The base had been struck with precision the base on the southwest of Crimea suffered immediate severe damage qnd at least eight destroyed warplanes were clearly visible.    

The Institute for the Study of War said Ukraine's was forming the Crimean state as Ukraine's counter-offensive in the south.  Since the war started, tens of thousands of people were killed millions have fled and many cities have been destroyed,    

SIGNS OF NEO-NAZI IDEOLOGY ANONG RUSSIAN MERSENARIES

 Russian mercenaries are becoming an increasingly hot topic as their activities can be found in conflict around the civilized world.  

Torture and war are crimes used by Russian military groups against Ukrainian citizens, to the horror of the European Union, the United States of America, and other anti-nazi countries around the world who promise Ukraine of stricter sanctions against Russia.       

        

     

LAST SURVIVING SOLDIER FROM THE BATTLE OF CRETE DIES

        

 New Zealand's and perhaps the world's last surviving soldier of the Second World War heroic Battle of Crete died at the age of 104. 

Cyril, Henry Brant Robinson passed away at the retirement community Wrangamata Moana Houses, New Zealand.

Robinson was the last New Zealand soldier to have served in the Battle of Crete and he, in all likelihood was happy for serving in this historical battle.

        

     

EPHESSUS

 Ephesus, an ancient Greek city on the coast of Ionia is one of the greatest archaeological treasures on earth with the entire city listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  

The great city which went through endless transformations. over the years, as a result of earthquakes, wars and conquests was founded in the 10th century BC. on the site of the former capital by Attic and Ionian Greek colonists. During the Classical Greek era, it was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League.

The city was famous, in its day, for the Temple of Artemis completed circa 550 BC which was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. 

Its many monumental buildings included the Library of Celsus and a theatre capable of holding no less than 24,000 spectators.

Archaeologists estimate that the population of Ephesus was ten times that of the capacity of the largest theatre, therefore they believe the population of Ephesus was approximately 250.000 

Ephesus also had one of the "Seven Churches of Asia" referred to in the Book of Revelations  The Gospel of Saint John may also have been written there.  It was the site of several 5th-century Christian councils  

The city was destroyed by the Goths in 263 although it was rebuilt.  Its great importance as a commercial center declined as its harbor was slowly silted by the Meander river, 

In the year 614, it was partially destroyed by an earthquake and eventually abandoned, which was a blessing in disguise, as its ancient ruins lie in plain sight rather than being burried under the rubble.

Today the city of Ephesus is a huge draw for international tourists and scholars because of its ancient provenance and its many historical treasures. 

In 2015, the entire city was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

       

 

        

     

THE PARTHENON SCULPTURES SHOULD BE RETURNED TO GREECE ACCORDING TO BRITISH PUBLIC OPNINION

 A readers' poll by the Sunday Times showed that 78% of participants support the demand for the repatriation of the Parthenon sculptures, exhibited at the British Museum to Greece where they can be joined with the rest of the sculptures on the world-famous Parthenon freeze. 

The scuptures were  taken from Greece to the UK by Thomas Bruce, the 7th Earl of Elgin and ambassador of England to Constantinople in the late summer of  1801, marking the beginning of the long dispute of tjeir ownership.  

A GREEK WOMAN'S ACHEVEMENTS

 Marianna Lazarou a woman from Kavala, with 6 children, was successful  in the Panhellenic exams and was the only person to be accepted to study at the Architectural  School   

Congratulations, Mrs Lazzrou for your incredible achievements We are very proud.of you! 

UKRAINIAN MUSLIMS AGAINST RUSSIA

 Those who have joined the war effort against Russian forces also fight, past injustice, to return to Crimea.

Isa Akaeiv is head of a battalion called "Crimea" and sees the fight against Russa as a fight to return to his homeland Crimea. according to Al Jazeera. 

Ali Khadzali stands among the blown-out building of his home town Kharkiv about 50 kilometers from the Ukraine border with Russia. 

Since  Russia's full-scale invasion began Khadzali has worked with  a team of volunteers to provide humanitarian assistance and evacuate persons hard hit by fighting  

TART WITH CARROTS AND CREAM CHEESE

350 g plain flour

150 g butter, cubed

1 egg 

Salt to tsste 

Mix all the ingredients together until a soft, pliable dough is formed. cover and refrigerate for half an hour. 

Roll out the dough and line a round Pyrex dish, cover with a weight and bake in an oven preheated to 180 C (350 F ) for 25 minutes until crisp and golden and remove the weight. 

Mix 6 carrots, finely grated. with 1 cup cream cheese, choppd parsley, grated Parmesan and very little salt and plenty of black pepper.

Spoon the mixture into the pastry shell and enjoy a delicious savory tart.

 

WATERHOLE

 A waterhole is a small pool of water in a dry area of Asia and Africa where animals go to drink.

Elephants, water buffalos and giraffes are enormous animals but they are vegetarian so they go to waterholes to quench their thirst, bathe and eat fresh leaves and grass   

WHISKEY'S BIRTHDAY

My beloved daughter-in-law and son have an adorable Scottish Terrier called Whiskey. Today is his birthday, many happy returns of the day Whiskey mou! 

ARTICHOKE AND PEA STEW

 6 artichokes, leaves, and chokes discarded and rubbed with lemon juice

2 onions, peeled and grated

2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced

2 tbsp of olive oil, divided

Salt and pepper to taste

3 cups of peas

1 cup of chopped dill, divided

2 tbsp cornflour mixed with 

1 tbsp lemon juice

Extra lemon juice

Water

In a large saucepan saute the onion and garlic until they become transparent. Add the artichokes, peas and some of the chopped dill. and season to taste. Pour in enough water to cover and simmer gently until the vegetables are tender. 

Finally, add the lemon juice and cornflour and simmer until the sauce thickens.  Serve drizzled with lemon juice and sprinkled with dill.     

VERY LATEST GREEK NEWS

 Due to the wonderful weather in Greece during summer, many tourists visit the country, both the mainland and the islands. having a wonderful time, swimming in the turquoise sea, and enjoying the beautiful landscapes and the gourmet Greek food. 

RUSSIAN GAS AND A TERRIBLY COLD WINTER 2022-2023

 Unfortunately, Russia has stopped exporting gas which will make all countries in the Northern Hemisphere suffer from a very difficult winter. The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis spoke to the nation and said that Greece will import gas from other sources such  Saudi Arabia so that we Greeks shall not have such a difficult winter.  

RICE WITH A SPICY SHRIMP AND TOMATO SAUCE

 1 kg  (2 lb) shrimps, deveined,, washed and patted dry

500 g (1 lb) rice 

3 tomatoes, halved, deseeded, grated, skins discarded

1 onion,, peeled and grated

2 garlic cloves, peeled and  minced

Olive oil. divided 

Salt and pepper to taste

Saute the onion and garlic in a little olive oil until transparent,  and set aside.  Add the shrimps and cook for 2 minutes until they change color. Add the grated tomato and season  with salt and pepper to taste, 

Serve the rice covered with the shrimp sauce and drizzle with the extra olive oil and enjoy a gourmet seafood dish   

4TH OF AUGUST IN GREECE

The 4th of August commemorates the terrible dictatorship of Ioannis Metaxas that prisoned many innocent people. 

On the 28th of October 1940, the Italian ambassador asked for the cessation of Grece to his country, Prime Minister Metaxas said : Alors c-est la guerre (So we have war)   

It was a terrible war, when many people were killed, both military and civilians. And unfortunately , many Jews were murdered by the German Nazis, We shall never forget the Holocaust  

RATATOULLE

1/2 kg (500 g) of potatoes 

1/2 kg (500 g) of courgettes

1/2 kg  (500 g) aubergines

1/2 kg (500 g) of onions 

All ingredients cubed

Sauce:

3 tomatoes, halved, deseeded, grated, skins discarded

2 tbsp olive oil

1 onion, peeled and grated 

2 cloves garlic. peeled and minced

Salt and pepper to taste  

Saute the onion and garlic in olive oil until translucent. pour in the grated tomatoes, season to taste,  Add the cubed vegetables and simmer until tender and the sauce thickens.    

ARTICHOKES WITH BEANS

 12 artichokes, stems, leaves and chokes discarded and rubbed with lemon juice

Extra lemon juice

2 cups beans, boiled in salted water  and drained

3 onions, peeled and grated

3  garlic cloves, peeled and minced

1 cup chopped parsley

1 cup chopped dill

1 cup chopped chives

Sauté the onions and garlic in some olive oil until transparent. Add the chopped  parsley, dill and chives and cook for two minutes. Place them over the artichokes, cover with parchment and cook until the artichokes  are tender. Serve the artichoke mixture with the beans and drizzle with extra lemon juice.    

LATEST GREEK NEWS

 The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, visited the Ionian island of Cephalonia and promised to  restore the road that joins the  port of Poros with the capital Argpstoli.    

SPINACH WITH RICE

 1 kg (2 lb) spinach, stems discarded, washed and patted dry

2 onions, peeled and grated 

2 spring  onions, trimmed and sliced

2 tbsp olive oil, divided

Salt and pepper to taste

1cup chopped dill

1 cup rice boiled in 2 cups of salted water

Juice of half a lemon 

Sauté the onions and spring onions in a little olive oil until wilted.  Add the spinach and cook a few minutes more.  Season to taste and add the chopped dill.  Stir in  the rice and serve  sprinkled with lemon juice    

RECIPE FOR TOMATOES STUFFED WITH RICE

 Since yesterday, Greek Orthodox Church celebrates Lent until the 15th of August.

So each day I shall give you recipes of Lenten food 

6 tomatoes

1 onion, peeled and grated

2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced

Olive oil 

Salt and pepper to taste 

1 tbsp sugar

Rice 

A bunch parsley finely chopped

Water

Baked potatoes

Cut a slice off the top of each tomato and remove the flesh. Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until transparent.  Chop the tomato flesh and simmer with the onion and garlic until quite dry. Sauté the rice in the remaining olive oil.  Season to taste with salt, pepper and sugar, stir in the parsley and stuff the tomato shells and pour a little water in each tomato, cover with the lids. and pour olive oil and water on top. 

Preheat to oventom180 C (350 F) and bake for 30 minutes until thoroughly cooked. Serve with baked potatoes.        

 

THE WINES FROM THE GREEK ISLAND OF SAMOS

 It is widely known that Samos has a great reputation for its superb wines coming with a guaranteed appellation of origin. They are mostly sweet wines    

FISH ROE APPETIZER

 4 slices if coreless bread

1 tbsp  soft  butter

4 slices fish roe

Spread the bread with butter, place the fish roe on top and enjoy a delicious, gourmet appetizer. 

RECOGNITION OF RUSSIA AS A TERRORIST STATE

     During this day, Ukraine received many signals from many countries condemning the Russian terrorist's acts against the country. The world sees the truth and Ukraine's partners realize are ready to join in establishing all the circumstances of the terrible execution of Ukrainian prisoners by the Russians.  

All evidence of this crime was committed by Russians will be collected.  There are legal steps on the part of the world community against the terrorist Russians. Condemnation at the base of political rhetoric is not enough for this mass murder. 

Ukrainian diplomats and all friends of Ukraine abroad increase their activity to destroy the terrorist state of Russia.

The formal legal recognition of Russia as a terrorist state by the USA, the European Union, and all free countries of the world.