Athens, Greece has long been considered a crossroads of civilization and that is certainly true today.  With such a mixture of cultures, the work of the Lord in Athens poses special challenges.  God has placed a unique family in Athens to be Christ to His people there. Alexandros and Eleni Melirrytos, and their children, Orestis and Danae, have worked with the Omonia Church for more than 15 years. The diversity of the congregation requires that several services be held each Lord’s Day so that any language barrier can be overcome.  There is, of course, the Greek service, followed by the Russian, Bulgarian, and English services.  While the differences in language may seem like a hindrance to fellowship, this congregation regularly meets for fellowship meals and retreats.

Alexander is primarily responsible for the spiritual leadership at Omonia.  He preaches each week, conducts individual Bible studies, teaches class, and writes newsletters.  Eleni spends her time ministering to the women of the congregation in Bible studies, fellowship, teaching, and, of course, cooking.  She can almost always be found in the kitchen preparing some delicious food to share at an event or with someone who needs her special kind of loving care.

The Omonia Church conducts a family retreat each summer near Corinth.  The congregation spends time in prayer, study, and strengthening the bonds of fellowship.  The women of the church also enjoy a special day of fellowship called Philadelphia.  Each fall for the past few years, Eleni has organized this day to encourage and build up the women of the two churches of Christ in Athens.  This sharing of faith has formed bonds which the women cherish.

Go to
http://picasaweb.google.com/emelirry/MELIRRYTOSNEWSLETTERMARCH2009ATHENSGREECE#
to see the pictures from the Melirrytos’ March newsletter, and read that newsletter by......

Eleni’s birthday - September 9

Orestis’ birthday - December 10

Danae’s birthday - May 9