An Orthodox Byzantine icon, whether it is on the shrine of a house or in the hall of a museum, with its colour, with its golden background, with the evangelical theme it depicts, or the stern face, makes you feel two things. The first is that our life has meaning when its joys and its bitterness, its comforts and its shortcomings, carve our soul like gold in a crucible. The second, that we are not alone. Many have walked our own spiritual path before us. Most of them were more sinful than we were. But the events of the Gospel show Christ not dwelling on the details of our sins but waiting for our repentance and providing forgiveness for all and sundry. So, we hope. And this hope does not shame us. It gives us joy and meaning in our lives. The eyes of the saints attest to this. The gaze of Christ and the Virgin Mary invites and waits. That is why, whatever the style of the Byzantine icon, it controls and supports, forgives and encourages. He is loved and honoured. With this in mind we discussed and then worked with Mr. Dim. Douka, in order to provide faithful copies of some of the historical icons of the ecclesiastical Museum of our Metropolis. For us, each icon is a piece of the national history of our country and a sacred object of worship which has collected on it the most precious essence of the life of our ancestors, the tears. Tears of pain and despair and tears of joy and hope.
The accurate laboratory result was a pleasant surprise. I hope that the benefit that will result will be equally spiritual.

THE METROPOLITAN OF ALEXANDROUPOLIS ANTHIMOS