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Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Crete: Sunday Morning at - not 'in' - Church

On a Sunday morning in Elounda, on Crete’s northeastern shore we were reminded that sometimes the message can be as powerful outside the church as inside . . .

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The small Church of Agios Loukas (Saint Luke)  hadn’t changed since we last visited three years ago. From Elounda, we’d crossed a narrow causeway to Kolokytha Peninsula, where it sits on a knoll overlooking the turquoise waters of Mirabella Bay. 

On this morning, as had been the case on our previous visit, we were alone – our arrival announced only by the birds whom we’d disturbed.

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The bell rested in its tower, ready to call the faithful.

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The intricately carved and polished wooden doors were locked, but it really didn’t matter . . .

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. . .because sometimes you don’t need to be in a church . . .

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Thanks for spending a moment or two with us in Greece. Hope to see you back here soon! It's Travel Photo Thursday. Head over to Budget Travelers Sandbox and do a bit more armchair traveling.

28 comments:

  1. What a peaceful looking start to the day. And the sun is shining which it always seems to be in Greece too.

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    1. It was a great way to begin another day - and you are correct about that sunshine. Thanks for dropping by today, Leigh!

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  2. What a beautiful little church! The water looks so inviting as well...I can see why you love Crete.

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    1. Yes, Jenny, we do love Crete. Yesterday as the clouds continued to gather over Kirkland, I sighed as I put the post together, thinking back to sea and sunshine. . .

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  3. So beautiful. Sometimes the best churches have no roof or altar.

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    1. We agree completely on that, Heather. Thanks for stopping by today.

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  4. What a lovely little church. and no you don't have to always go into a church to feel the atmosphere.
    Thank you for stopping by my blog today and have a wonderful weekend.

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  5. Hi Jackie, those photos of the water are so breathtaking. You're so right, you don't need to be in the church to be reminded of the divine, you just have to look at those heavenly nature. Beautiful post.

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    1. Thank you for such a nice comment! See you next week, if not before. . .

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  6. Beautiful spot! Isn't it wonderful to return to a place and find that nothing much has changed?

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    1. That's one of the best parts of Greece -- the timeless beauty, not only the landscapes but the structures as well.

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  7. The water sure looks inviting! Love doors like the ones you included. I'm always amazed at how intricate the designs are.

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    1. I am also a doors and windows sort of travelers. I could probably do a photo album of doors around the world. . .thanks for visiting Debbie.

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  8. What a beautifully peaceful spot. I feel calmer just looking at your photos - so I can only imagine how lovely it was to actually be there. :-)

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    1. It is a special place and at that time of day, when you are the only ones around, it is even better. Thanks so much for dropping by today - and leaving a note!

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  9. I can see why you didn't need to go into the church to feel the beauty of this place. I love how serene and clear that water looks. How nice that you had the place to yourselves.

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    1. It was nice having it to ourselves. And nice being off-season as during the height of the season tour boats from Agios Nikolios, the nearby town can fill that harbor.

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  10. Hello Jackie & Joel

    One can sense the peacefulness of Sunday morning. You have me wanting to visit Greece and next year we shall do so.

    Have a wonderful weekend

    Helen xx

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    1. Oh Helen, that is wonderful news. I can imagine the art you will create as result of that visit - please do write about it when you go.
      oxoxo Jackie

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  11. I have definitely had spiritual experiences while traveling that haven't been in a church building. I can sense the peace in this picture.

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    1. You understand the post completely, Jessica. It is just one of 'those moments' that unless you've had one, you might not get what I am talking about. Thanks much for visiting!

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  12. How beautiful, Jackie! Shame to go inside for a service, with a beautiful view like that!

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    1. I wondered how often anyone ever goes inside. . .we've never seen anything posted there about services but it is certainly well cared for.

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  13. Lovely. And I'm reminded that it has been far too long since I've been in Crete.

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  14. Love that stonework, and all the views!

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  15. Andrew, you would have been a shutter bug here and I am certain would have captured it far better than I did. Thanks for stopping by, you've been missed on these pages!

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