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The tiny church of Agios (Saint) Charalambos in the village of Sfakia, Crete, holds its celebration in honour of the saint on the 10th of February every year.
Nestled within the protective embrace of the cave in which it was built, the church faces the Libyan Sea. In recent years, a wall was added to shield it from the sheep that used to seek shelter there. For a long time, the church’s interior was marked by striking simplicity—containing nothing but an icon, without altar, iconostasis, or pulpit. In 2017, however, a wall with an opening was constructed to distinguish the altar from the public space, and the icon was placed upon it alongside a candelabrum.
On the day of the feast, once the liturgy concludes, the priests distribute the artos and the community gathers to share a meal. The tables overflow with meze, fried fish, fresh anthotyro cheese, and, as the highlight, the renowned gamopilafo. Locals, dressed in their traditional black garments, join the faithful in celebration, reciting improvised mandinades (Cretan couplets), dancing, and honouring their saint in a spirit of joy and fellowship.
Photo: Christopher Cheiladakis
