Pictorial Mesanagros

Charm of a Bygone Era
The traditional village life of Southern Rhodes, of how it was in the past, in all its variety and vitality, was a way of life where there were so many things to love.
Nestled amongst rugged landscapes, historic sites and spiritual trails, its residents are blessed to be living close to nature and God in every possible way.

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Mesanagros

The tranquil monastery of St Nektarios offers panoramic views of the traditional village of Mesanagros and its hills and valleys beyond.

While traditional village life remains an important part of Rhodes valuable heritage, tourism and entry into the European Union in 1981 has had a huge impact on the traditional agricultural economy of Southern Rhodes.

Many of Southern Rhodes rural villages date back to medieval times.

Pictorial Mesanagros depicts a way of life, of how it was in the past where there were so many things to love.

Beautiful little whitewashed homes with their wooden beams and open fireplaces are adorned with traditional embroideries and, mantles filled with religious icons, ceramic plates and family photos.

Opposite the fireplace is usually a raised sleeping platform (soufas or, bangos) with storage cupboards underneath.

Finally coming over the crest of the last range of hills, you catch the first glimpse of the picturesque little hilltop village of Mesanagros in Southern Rhodes.
You gaze down at the village with its narrow little streets, its white-washed houses, its two historic churches and its many wonderful little monasteries.

Many of Southern Rhodes rural villages date back to medieval times.

The forest ranger protects Southern Rhodes natural heritage, cultural resources, wildlife and its citizens from the devastation of fire.

Village life is full of culture, friendly people and visual delights.

Beautiful little whitewashed homes with their wooden beams and open fireplaces are adorned with traditional embroideries and, mantles filled with religious icons, ceramic plates and family photos.
Opposite the fireplace is usually a raised sleeping platform (soufas or, bangos) with storage cupboards underneath.

Wholesome life in a natural, tranquil environment where time seems to stand still. 

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Taxiarhis

The beautiful tiered church of Archangels Michael and Gabriel or Taxiarhis as it is commonly known which was built in 1861.

Every Sunday and on all holy days, Orthodox churches celebrate their most important service, the Divine Liturgy.
This service is a re-enactment of the Birth, Life, Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ and the means by which we achieve union with God and with each other through the Sacraments.

Like the Good Shepherd, the priest provides the spiritual direction that will help to bring everyone of his flock closer to God.

Every Greek Church is devoted to a particular Saint and that Saint’s Name Day is celebrated with a religious service and followed by a paniyiri (festival).
On that day people with the same name also celebrate their Name Days.

Through feasts, memorials, commemorations and solemnities, we relive the great events of the Gospels and of Christian history that help us to grow spiritually.

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 Koimisis tis Theotokou

The historic 5th century AD Church, Koimisis tis Theotokou.

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Monastery Skiathi

Mountain scenery and a beautiful coastline in picture postcard settings.

Monastery Skiathi with its historic icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary (known formally as Panayia Skiatheni) offers peace of mind in the tranquility of Southern Rhodes.
Located about 6 kilometers from Mesanagros. September 7th and 8th is its festival with church services followed by a paniyiri (festival) of feasting and dancing.
The breathtaking views of Monastery Skiathi offers a panoramic surrounding landscape of hills and valleys as well as distant inlets and islets.

Inspirational ministry of chanting the beautiful Byzantine hymns of the Orthodox Liturgy.

The needs of a community and of the church are many that require caring individuals who volunteer their time and talents to provide valuable support and help with one or more of their many programs.

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St. Thomas Monastery

The historic Byzantine monastery of St Thomas.

Traditional festivals (paniyiri) are conducted in breathtaking, outdoor surroundings with food, music and dancing.

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A Way of Life

Rural communities and values that have been passed down from generations past.

The traditional, close-knit family living in an atmosphere of togetherness.

Mesanagros has a legacy of goat herding and farming represents a golden age of Southern Rhodes.

Goat herding, high up in the hilly terrain of Southern Rhodes.

The comforting aroma of freshly baked bread is made the traditional way in an outside, beehive shaped oven. 

Bread baking outside in the village oven, stoked with coals from a brushwood fire.

From the Southern Rhodes fields you will find the best seasonal fruit and vegetables and enjoy new season watermelon and honeydew melons.

The people of Mesanagros still live in tune with their rural values.
Everyone knows each other and feel secure, at peace with one’s soul and their fellow human being.

Erindos, Kambos, Louria, Evgales, Kousata and Stavri are just some of the traditional farming areas of Mesanagros yielding favorite grains, fruit and vegetables.
In days gone by, goats also pastured on the nearby hilly slopes.

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Kafe Bar O Mike

Foods cooked at Kafe Bar O Mike were those that the proprietors, Mike and his wife Katholiki had sown, nurtured and harvested to the peak of perfection.   
From Mike’s fields you found the best seasonal fruit and vegetables, enjoyed new season watermelons, honeydew-melons and freshly picked tomatoes.

Greek coffee is brewed in the traditional brass, long-handled, wide-bottomed coffee pot that tapers towards the top known as a briki. The mixture of water, coffee and sugar is boiled until it almost foams out of the briki and the thick foam that forms is kaimaki.

Kafe Bar O Mike with its few chairs and pleasant atmosphere where the locals and tourists can enjoy a Greek coffee or a meal, indoors or outdoors under the shade of the old platano tree located next to the historic, 5th century church, Koimisis tis Theotokou.

Sitting under the old platano tree outside the kafeneio (cafe) and next door to the historic 5th century AD Church, Koimisis tis Theotokou, you can enjoy the tranquility of a village environment.

Sitting under the old platano tree outside the kafeneio (cafe) and next door to the historic 5th century AD Church, Koimisis tis Theotokou, you can share the tranquility of village life with the birds happily chirping their wonderful songs.

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Spiritual Life

Every beautiful hymn found in the liturgical books of the Greek Orthodox Church is a prayer to God, our dear Lord, Jesus Christ, our Blessed Virgin Mary, the Saints, prophets and Angels.

Village people experience the full potential of the Kingdom of God through their Greek Orthodox faith, its customs and festivities.

Humble village women who honor and worship Jesus Christ as the King of their world.

The Greek Orthodox faith is based on the historical traditions of the Byzantine Empire (330 - 1453 AD.

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Many of the little monasteries of Southern Rhodes have been built by rural families in the name of their Patron Saint.

Southern Rhodes is blessed with an abundance of remote, hilltop monasteries.

Monasteries are like small centers of faith and tranquility.

Spiritual inspiration gives a sense of connection to a Higher Power.

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