Asi Gonia: Blessing of the Sheep

In the orthodox religion, every profession has a saint and shepherding is no exception. Saint George is the patron saint of shepherds and every year on his day, April 23, there is a spectacular ceremony in the Cretan mountain village of Asi Gonia during which St. George is remembered, the shepherd is honored, and his sheep are blessed after being milked and sheered.

I had the privilege of witnessing this ceremony two years ago. On Easter Monday, shortly after 8 am. the first flock of about 200 sheep came thundering into the village square in sleepy Asi Gonia. Shepherds in traditional Cretan dress quickly herded them in a huge circle around the statues of the town’s heroes. A few, bold renegades broke rank and ran down the hill, followed by most of the flock. The shepherds ran after them, shouting commands and using their distinctive, twisted crooks to bring the sheep into line and back to the town square where they continued their circular meanderings.

Asi Gonia is near Argiroupolis, famous for its lovely waterfalls and springs and built on the ruins of the ancient Roman city of Lappa.

Asi Gonia was the home of George Psychountakis, one of Crete’s most famous heroes who was known as “The Cretan Runner” for his bravery in the resistance against the German invasion during World War II. Mr. Psychountakis died recently and his obituary was published world-wide. He was Asi Gonia’s most famous son and was a shepherd, like most of the male residents. Some locals said they believed one reason so many people came yearly to the “Blessing of the Sheep” ceremony was to see Mr. Psychountakis and shake the hand of this brave man.

TO TELOS (THE END)

Published in The National Herald, January 2014