One more an amazing miracle of Agios Andreas (celebrating tomorrow, 30 November) comes to teh “light” from the blog Sophia–ntrekou.grwhich refers to the study “Christian miracles for Muslims” by the theologian, Theodoros Riginiotis.
OR history in Karpasia, Cyprus, in 1912 and is related to a greek woman named Maria, who had a 13-year-old son, Pantelis.
As highlighted in a newspaper article “Voice of Cyprus” (clearance) of 24 ~ 06/04/1912 (the double date shows old and new calendar)
“one day, while he was out Pantelis, they took it the Turks and they gave it secretly Constantinople. Against his will, he was taught Turkish and became a dervish. It is indeed clear that he was a dervish, but in reality he was an orthodox Christian and he hid an icon of the Virgin Mary in his clothes, which he worshiped regularly.
OR unhappy motherwho did not know where her son was and whether he was alive or dead,cried incessantly day and night. She knelt down and prayed fervently to God and all the Saints to show her where her son was, if he was alive or dead so she could find him.
One night while she was on her knees and crying incessantly begging god and the Saints, she fell asleep in the company of pain. As she slept, she saw in her dream the highly respected Apostle Andreas, who said to her:
– “Woman, why are you crying inexplicably”?
And she answers him: “I lost my son twenty years ago, I have visited many cities and villages, but I have not heard anywhere whether he is alive or dead.”
And then the Saint, through the grace of God, says to her: – “Listen to me as I guide you to find your son. Go down on such a day and such a month in an Austrian ship, which goes to cyprus and you will find there your son, who is alive and well. Return to the same ship. Mark the date you will arrive at the port of Mersina and locate the ship.You will pray for the Captain and tell him all that has happened.’
Actually, when the old woman came down to the port on the day the saint told her, the ship was ready for her journey. The ship left for Cyprus. As soon as it appeared on its banks and in the background loomed the Church of the Apostle Andrew. When the Cypriots saw her on board, they crossed themselves saying: yes, Andrew the Apostle Church.
After a while, a dervish (her son) comes to him, who had the same desire, ie to face his parents and get rid of this hateful life. So the dervish, educated and wearing a Turkish sari and a long beard, says to the old woman:
– Why, madam, are you crying so incomparably? what do you have
The old woman, seeing and hearing a Turk, says to him:
– Master, since you stand so much and want to know my pains, listen. Twenty years ago my son went missing while going to school and since then nothing has been heard of his whereabouts. However, after many prayers I made to God and the saints, the Apostle Andreas graced me to go to Cyprus where his Church is to worship. Then, the economy of God and the energy of the Saints, the dervish turned to find his parents. so he says to her:
- Listen carefully,let me tell you something about what you want and learn. Tell me, is your husband even alive, what is his name? His old man says:
– It’s been a while since my husband died and his name was Dimitrios.
– Do you have another son?
– Yes, yes.
– Tell me, what’s your name?
– Maria, she tells him.
– And your son’s name, where is it lost?
– Pantelis, the old woman tells him.
The dervish, when he heard the name of his father, his mother, his brother, his own, was very moved, but he still succeeded in the last and most critically important proof, which he had for himself, is that was his mark. burn from birth,olive below the cheek.
– Sir, I will ask you something else. Do you remember if your son had any marks on him? The old woman then moved because she realized that the devil knew something about her son and said to him: – Indeed, he had an olive under his cheek.
The dervish lifts with a trembling hand his great beard, he rises and the olive tree is seen, in the same place where it was by her son Pantelis.
The old woman, she saw, fainted, fell down. Immediately the dervish and the other passengers poured water on the old woman and carried her away. Then he sighed deeply and cried wildly:
– oh my God and Apostle andreas, this is my lost son whom I have been looking for for twenty years.
Then he hugged his grandmother and they kissed for a minute, accompanied by tears of joy and emotion. how much joy they had, expressed in praise to God and the Holy One. After the baptism of pantelis,the three went to the church of Ap. Andrew, whom they worshiped with tears of joy, repentance and emotion.
The whole of Cyprus rejoiced because of the miracle of Ap. Andrew”.
What role does the concept of maternal love play in the story of Maria and Pantelis as discussed by Theodoros riginiotis?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Theologian Theodoros Riginiotis
editor: Good day,Dr. Riginiotis! Its a pleasure to have you with us today as we discuss a remarkable story of hope and faith that has recently come to light in your study, Christian Miracles for muslims. This particular account revolves around Agios Andreas and a Greek mother named Maria. Can you summarize the essence of this miraculous story for our readers?
Riginiotis: Thank you for having me! This story, which takes place in Karpasia, Cyprus, is truly captivating. It recounts the life of a devoted mother,Maria,whose son,Pantelis,was forcibly taken by the Turks at the age of 13. In her despair, Maria prayed fervently to God and the saints, seeking any sign of her son’s fate. What follows is an extraordinary encounter she has with Apostle Andreas in a dream, marking the beginning of her quest to reunite with her son.
Editor: The theme of maternal love and longing seems to resonate deeply throughout the narrative. How did this story affect you personally when you first came across it?
riginiotis: I was moved by the depth of Maria’s suffering and her unwavering faith despite the turmoil she faced. It highlights that, regardless of cultural or religious backgrounds, the bond between a mother and child is universal. This poignancy is a testament to the human spirit and the lengths to which a parent will go to find resolution and peace.
Editor: The dream encounter with Saint Andreas is a pivotal moment in the story. What do you believe this symbolizes within the context of faith and divine intervention?
Riginiotis: It symbolizes hope and divine guidance in our darkest moments. Saint Andreas acts as a mediator, representing the idea that help can come from unexpected sources. The dream serves not just to comfort Maria but provides her with actionable guidance, reinforcing the belief that God is attentive to the struggles of individuals, regardless of their circumstances.
Editor: Fascinating! In your study, you explore the intersection of Christian miracles and Islamic faith. How does the story of Maria and Pantelis exemplify this intersection?
Riginiotis: This story illustrates the potential for shared experiences of faith and miracles across different religious contexts.The reverence for saints, such as Agios Andreas, transcends boundaries, as does the innate hope found in both Christian and Islamic traditions. Maria’s unwavering faith draws connections with shared values: love, devotion, and the quest for truth, showing that the miraculous can resonate universally.
Editor: With the upcoming celebration of Agios Andreas, what message do you hope readers take away from this article and the story it tells?
Riginiotis: I hope readers recognize the power of faith and the resilience of the human spirit in face of adversity. This story serves as a reminder that miracles can manifest in various forms and that the bonds of love can guide us through life’s darkest challenges. Moreover, it encourages dialog and understanding between different cultures and faiths, somthing we desperately need in today’s world.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Riginiotis, for sharing your insights and for bringing such a poignant story to light. It’s marvelous to see how miracles can inspire hope across different communities.
Riginiotis: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this meaningful narrative. It’s always a pleasure to engage in dialogues that promote understanding and compassion.