Description
Angels in the Fields
In the regions of Attica and Boeotia, the olive harvest traditionally began on the day following the feast of St. Demetrios (the celebration of the Holy Martyr Nestor). If you were very fortunate, on those days you could hear what sounded like the voices of angels in the fields, as nuns perched in the olive trees recited the Salutations (i.e., the Akathyst Hymn) to the Mother of God by heart while harvesting olives by hand.
Families would set aside a portion of these harvests and bring them to their local churches or monasteries, as pious offerings to God and His saints.
The Reality Today
Today, fewer families tend their ancestral olive groves, and this pious custom has nearly vanished. Consequently, the task of sourcing the oil—whether through our own harvest or by purchasing it—now rests for the most part on our brotherhood.
Help Us Tend the Flame
We invite you to help us keep this tradition alive. You may make this offering on behalf of yourself, as well as others.
Your offering supports the Brotherhood of St. John of the Ladder and our sacred ministry.
