Meraki Boutique
613 Rue Principale H7X 1C7 Laval, QC, Canada

On January 6 the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of the Holy Epiphany, commemorating the Baptism of Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist, and the divine revelation of the Holy Trinity. At the Baptism of Christ, all three Persons of the Holy TrinityFather, Son, and Holy Spiritwere made manifest. Thus, the name of the Feast is Epiphany, meaning manifestation, or Theophany, meaning manifestation of God. The Biblical story of the Baptism of Christ is record...Continue reading

On January 1 the Greek Orthodox church commemorates Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia. Saint Basil was born in the year 330 in Caesarea, to a family renowned for their learning and holiness. His mother, Emilia (commemorated on July 19) and his grandmother Macrina (commemorated on June 14) are Saints of the Church, together with his brothers and sisters: Macrina, his elder sister (July 19), Gregory of Nyssa (January 10), Peter of Sebastia (January 9),... and Naucratius. The Saint studied in Constantinople under the sophist Libanius, then in Athens, where he formed a close friendship that lasted a lifetime with Gregory the Theologian. Through the good influence of his sister Macrina, St Basil chose to embrace the ascetical life, abandoning his worldly career. He visited the monks in Egypt, in Palestine, in Syria, and in Mesopotamia, and upon returning to Caesarea, he departed to a hermitage on the Iris River in Pontus. In the year 370, when the bishop of his country reposed, he was elected to succeed to his throne and was entrusted with the Church of Christ, which he tended for eight years, living in voluntary poverty and strict asceticism, having no other care than to defend holy Orthodoxy as a worthy successor of the Apostles. The Emperor Valens, and Modestus, the Eparch of the East, tried with threats of exile and of torments to bend the Saint to their own confession, because he was the bastion of Orthodoxy in all Cappadocia, and preserved it from heresy when Arianism was at its strongest. The Emperor Valens himself was almost won over by Basil’s dignity and wisdom, when his son fell gravely sick, he asked Saint Basil to pray for him. The Saint promised that his son would be better if Valens agreed to have him baptised Orthodox. Valens agreed, Saint Basil prayed and the son was no longer sick. But after the Emperor had him baptised by Arians and the child died soon after. Later, Valens, persuaded by his counsellors, decided to send the Saint into exile because he would not accept the Arians into communion; but his pen broke when he was signing the edict of banishment. He tried a second time and a third, but the pen kept on breaking, so the Emperor tore up the document and the Saint was not banished. Saint Basil departed to the Lord on the 1st of January in 379, at the age of forty-nine. Today is the Name Day of Vasilios, Vasilis, Vasos, Billy, Vasilia, Vasiliki, Vasoula, Bessy and Vicky. Xronia Polla!

Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world, was born of the Most Holy Virgin Mary in the city of Bethlehem during the reign of the emperor Augustus (Octavian). Caesar Augustus decreed that a universal census be made throughout his Empire, which then also included Palestinian Israel. The Jews were accustomed to be counted in the city from where their family came. The Most Holy Virgin and the Righteous Joseph, since they were descended from the house and lineage of King Da...Continue reading

On December 22nd the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates Agia Anastasia Pharmakolitria, Saint Protector of poison and other harmful substances. The Great Martyr Anastasia the Deliverer from Potions, also Anastasia the Healer or Anastasia of Sirmium was martyred in Sirmium (Sremska Mitrovica, Serbia), and is known by the Greek term the Pharmakolitria since she has long been venerated by the church as a healer and exorcist. Anastasia was from Rome. She was the daughter of Pr...aepextatus and Fausta and was beautiful in appearance, virtuous and from a wealthy family. Her mother instructed her in the faith of Christ. After her mother’s death, she was given in marriage to a pagan named Publius Patricius. He subjected his wife to beatings and would keep her slaved in the house. She endured these torments for a short time since Publius drowned early in their marriage. As a young widow, she never remarried and secretly dedicated her time to the poor, those in prisons and served their needs daily. She would wash their wounds and especially console them during their anguish. Through her intercessions and prayers, she healed many from the effects of potions, poisons, spells and other harmful substances. This is how she received the honour of Deliverer of Potions. Her deeds and miracles spread throughout the area and her fame brought about her arrest under Diocletian’s persecutions. She was tortured and endured many torments and was eventually put to death by fire in the year 290. In the fifth century, the relics of the saint were transferred to Constantinople, where a church was built and dedicated to her. This was the church where St. Andrew the Fool-for-Christ was brought to be cured of his foolishness, there St. Anastasia appeared to him in a dream and encouraged him to continue his ascetic feat. Later her head and one of her hands were transferred to the Monastery of St. Anastasia the Pharmokolitria, Halkidiki of Greece. Today is also the name day of those with the name Anastasia. Xronia Polla!

On December 12 the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates the Feast Day of Agios Spyridonas the Wonderworker, who is the Protector of poor people and the Patron Saint of the island of Kerkyra. He is known and respected in both the Western and Eastern churches for the variety of miracles that he performed, including resurrections of the deceased. Agios Spyridonas of Tremithus was born towards the end of the 3rd century on the island of Cyprus. He was a shepherd and had a wife and ...children. He used all his substance for the needs of his neighbors and the homeless, for which the Lord rewarded him with a gift of wonderworking. He healed those who were incurably sick and cast out demons. After the death of his wife, during the reign of Constantine the Great (306-337), he was made Bishop of Tremithus, Cyprus. As a bishop, the saint did not alter his manner of life, but combined pastoral service with deeds of charity. Because of his exceptional piety, he was chosen as bishop of the city of Trymithous. Yet even as a bishop, he did not change his simple way of living, handling his livestock and cultivating his land himself. He used very little of the fruits of his labor for himself; instead, he distributed a greater share to the needy. He manifested great miracles by God’s power: he brought down rain in time of drought, stopped the flow of a river, raised several people from the dead, healed Emperor Constantius of a grave illness, saw and heard angels of God, foresaw future events, discerned the secrets of men’s hearts, converted many to the true Faith, and did much else. He took part in the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea (325), and he brought many heretics back to Orthodoxy by his simple and clear expositions of the Faith as well as by his mighty miracles. He was so simply dressed that once, when he wanted to enter the imperial court at the invitation of the emperor, a soldier, thinking that he was a beggar, struck him on the face. Meek and guileless, Spyridon turned the other cheek to him. He glorified God through many miracles and was of benefit, not only to many individuals but also to the whole Church of God. Saint Spyridon died on December 12, 348 in Trymithous, His miracle-working relics rest on the island of Corfu, and even today they glorify God with many miracles. Today is also the Name Day of Spryridonas and Spyridoula. Xronia Polla!

Don't forget to BUY localThank you! We need to help each now more than ever!! Feel free to add to my post if I forgot anyone. Choco Etcetera Cupcakes... Montreal Meats Au Vieux Duluth Ville Saint-Laurent Casa Grecque Daniel-Johnson, Laval Casa Grecque Lasalle Supermarché Hawaii Patisserie Phyllo Vaudreuil Nutrition Bar Patisserie-Creperie Buddies Ola Kala Greek Town Grill Christinas Cuisine Wreath it up Meraki Boutique Aces Barbier Barbershop John's Barber Shop/Barbier John Station Pizza Moderne Peter’s Barber shop Deesigns Paniers & Créations See more

On December 9, the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates Righteous Agia Anna’s Conception of Panagia, the Most Holy Theotokos. Saint Anna, the mother of Panagia, was the youngest daughter of the priest Nathan from Bethlehem, descended from the tribe of Levi. She married Saint Joachim (September 9), who was a native of Galilee. St. Joachim was of the lineage of Judah and a descendant of King David. Anna was the daughter of Matthan the priest, from the lineage of Levi....Continue reading

November 21st the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates The Entry of the Most Holy Mother of God into the Temple According to Holy Tradition, the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple took place in the following manner. The parents of the Virgin Mary, Saints Joachim and Anna, praying for an end to their childlessness, vowed that if a child were born to them, they would dedicate it to the service of God. When the Most Holy Virgin reached the age of three, the holy parent...Continue reading

All we need is love and something blue!! Happy Wednesday to all!! #minimal #stackable #stackablebracelets #gold #heartbracelet #heartearrings #evileye #cubebeadbracelet #heart #handmade #handmadejewelry #style #madeinmontreal #wristparty #armcandy #grecian #europeanstyle #evileyebracelet #bracelets #trendybracelets #montreal #montrealboutique #giftshop #supportsmallbusiness

Some serious stacking on a Friday!! #stackablebracelets #evileyejewelry #handmade #handmadejewelry #charmbracelet #horseshoe #chains #bracelets #merakiboutiquemtl #giftshop #fashiontrends #makeitwithmeraki #fashionhandmade #giftideas #evileyebracelet #greekmati #charmbracelets #wristparty #armcandy #luckycharms

Special Christmas ornaments from Greece. Order yours today or just come by our new location! 613 rue Principale, Laval, Ste Dorothee. Available in store as of tomorrow. Prices for ornaments vary from $15-$20 or 2 for $25 or 2 for $35 Great gift ideas! #evileyeornaments #ornaments #handmadeornaments #personalizedgifts #personalizedornaments #person #madeingreece #merakiboutiquemtl #christmasgifts #giftideas

On November 16th the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew. If you don’t know St Matthews life you should definitely take some time to read it. The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew, was also named Levi (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27); he was one of the Twelve Apostles (Mark 3:18; Luke 6:45; Acts 1:13), and was brother of the Apostle James Alphaeus (Mark 2:14). He was a publican, or tax-collector for Rome, in a time when the Jews were under the rul...Continue reading

November 11th is the feast day of the saints Menas, Victor and Vikentios (Vincent) Xronia polla to all celebrating today. Below read the lives of these saints The Holy Great Martyr Menas of Egypt, an Egyptian by birth, was a military officer and served in the Kotyaeion region of Phrygia under the centurion Firmilian during the reign of the emperors Diocletian (284-305) and Maximian (305-311). When the emperors began the fiercest persecution against Christians in history, the ...Continue reading

On December 15 the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates the Feast Day of Agios Eleftherios. When the phrase child prodigy is mentioned it may bring to mind the name of Mozart, who composed music before he was twelve that is still extant, or Alexander Pope, who wrote the classic poem Solitude when he was but eleven years old. It would be difficult to recall any boy genius of religion, but the one who comes closest to this was a Roman lad of the second century. His name was ...Continue reading

On November 9, the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates Agios Nektarios the Wonderworker of Aegina. He is considered the Patron Saint for people who have cancer, heart trouble, arthritis, epilepsy, and other diseases. Agios Nektarios was born on October 1st, 1846 in Silyvria, in Smyrni. At Holy Baptism he was given the name Anastasios. His parents were simple pious Christians. They brought him up in a manner pleasing to God and did what their very limited means allowed for his ...Continue reading

On December 6 the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast Day of Agios Nikolaos. Agios Nikolaos lived at Myra in Asia Minor from 270 6th December 343. He is revered and commemorated amongst Orthodox, Anglican, Catholic, and Lutheran Christians and is also known as Nikolaos the Wonderworker. This is because of the many miracles he is known for such as ill-treatments, restorations of the poor and the release of the three commanders. Agios Nikolaos was born about 275 AD in ...Continue reading

Introducing to you our new Meraki Boutique location It is not our little quaint shop but we tried to make it as Greece inspired as possible. We look forward to ...welcoming you at 613 rue Principale in Laval. Thank you for all your support in the past year and for making our little boutique a success. See you soon for some Christmas shopping! Our free gift wrapping is definitely a plus! God bless you all!! See more

December 4 is the Feast Day of Agia Barbara, who is considered one of the major Saints of the Greek Orthodox Church. During the rule of Maximius, in the year 29...0 AD, the governor in the Anatolian city of Heliopolis was Dioscuros. He was a wealthy man who was originally from the nearby village of Galassos. He had only one child, a very beautiful girl named Barbara. Her parents were extremely proud of her, not only because of her beauty but of her virtuosity as well. To protect her, her parents erected a fortress in which they placed Barbara while still young, as was the case with Saint Christina. They supplied her with all her needs; servants, food and clothing. When Barbara came of age, many military officers of Heliopolis asked her father for her hand in marriage, for they had heard of her great beauty and charm. He refused, however, to give his promise to anyone until he conferred with his daughter. Barbara responded by telling her father that if he forced her to marry she would commit suicide. Dioscuros left the fortress believing that in time he could convince her to consent to marriage. Dioscuros, deciding to add a bathing house to the fortress, left the plans with the builders and instructed them to begin work while he departed for another city where he had some pressing business. During her father’s absence, Barbara had the opportunity to leave her living quarters and observe the erection of the bathing house. Upon discovering that the building was to have only two windows, she asked the builders to install a third, and that she would assume the responsibility. Our God, who knows everything before it occurs, was extremely pleased with Barbara’s innocence and filled her heart with the Holy Spirit and with the love of Christ. While standing by the pool of the bath house, Barbara made the sign of the cross on the marble with her finger. Miraculously, her finger chiselled the cross deeply into the marble. One day, returning from the bath house, Barbara noticed the false gods which her father worshipped and she spat at them. She returned to the fortress, fasting and praying that she would receive Divine Guidance. When her father returned, he saw the third window in the bath house and questioned the builders, who informed him that his daughter had ordered the third window installed. After questioning Barbara whether there was any particular reason for three, she told him that Three Lights guide everyone who walks the earth. Making the sign of the cross with three fingers she said that one signifies the Father, one the Son, and the other the Holy Spirit, and with these three Lights the whole world is guided. These words angered her father and made him forget that Barbara was his daughter. Drawing his sword and threatening to kill her, Barbara fled to a nearby mountain. Reaching the top, she raised her arms and prayed to God for help. The earth parted and swallowed most of her body. In the meantime, her father asked two shepherds whether they had seen his daughter. The first told him that he hadn’t, so that she might be spared, however, the other pointed in the Saint’s direction. Finding his daughter, Dioscuros forced her back to the fortress and locked her up. He then went to the ruler of the city named Marcius and informed him that Barbara was a Christian. She was then given to Marcius with her father’s damnation. Marcius had the Saint stripped and beaten with sticks, then her wounds rubbed with vinegar. She was then imprisoned. Towards midnight a bright light appeared to Barbara and a voice told her not to fear, Christ was always with her. As soon as the words were spoken, all her wounds disappeared. A God-fearing woman, named Julia, who was imprisoned with Barbara, saw the miracle. She praised God with all her heart and decided to martyr for her Christian beliefs. The tortures continued for Barbara. The ruler ordered his soldiers to tear the Saint’s body with iron claws, to burn her with torches and to hit her head with a spiked club. Julia, witnessing the torture felt so much sorrow that she began to cry uncontrollably. Discovering that she was also a Christian, Marcius ordered that she be hung beside the Saint to suffer the same tortures. St. Barbara was stripped of her clothing to be marched throughout the city. Seeing though that he could not overcome the Saint with threats and tortures, Marcius ordered his soldiers to behead both Barbara and Julia. Present at all these tortures was Dioscuros, Barbara’s father. He felt neither pain nor remorse for what he had done to his only child. When the ruler sentenced them to death, Dioscuros requested that he be permitted to perform the execution of his daughter. Barbara and Julia were taken to the mountain where Dioscuros had previously captured his daughter. He beheaded St. Barbara and a soldier beheaded St. Julia. For several seconds the earth shook. The earth then opened and swallowed the bodies of the two martyrs. God was quick with Divine Retribution to Dioscuros, for as he was descending the mountain, a thunder storm arose. A bolt of lightning descended from the heavens and killed this bloodthirsty tyrant. A second bold of lightning immediately descended and murdered St. Julia’s executioner. When Marcius heard of the events which occurred at the execution he became psychologically distressed and soon afterwards died of his remorse. After several days, a pious Christian named Valentios saw in his dream two white robed virgins who instructed him to go to the mountain on which the Saints had been executed and to dig to find their bodies. Valentios immediately arose from his bed and with several other Christians, went to the mountain to carry out the Saint’s instructions. After digging for several hours, they found the holy bodies of Sts Barbara and Julia. With great respect and reverence, they venerated the bodies of the Saints. The holy bodies of the martyrs were taken to the village of Galassos where they were entombed with honour. Saint Barbara is the patron saint of artillerymen, firemen, miners and those engaged in hazardous occupations. Her memory is celebrated today and it is also the Name Day of Varvara, Barbara, Damaskinos, Damaskini. Xronia Polla!

Xronia polla! Happy name day to all celebrating today. Michael, Michaela, Angeliki, Angelo, Gabriel, Gabriela, Raphael and many others On November 8th the Greek... Orthodox Church celebrates the Synaxis of the Supreme Commanders Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, and of the other bodiless and heavenly orders, the Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Powers, Authorities, Principalities, Archangels and Angels. The Synaxis of the Chief of the Heavenly Hosts, Archangel Michael and the Other Heavenly Bodiless Powers: Archangels Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jehudiel, Barachiel, and Jeremiel was established at the beginning of the fourth century at the Council of Laodicea, which met several years before the First Ecumenical Council. The 35th Canon of the Council of Laodicea condemned and denounced as heretical the worship of angels as gods and rulers of the world, but affirmed their proper veneration. On the 8th of November, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Feast of Synaxis of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and the rest of the archangels. The word synaxis means the gathering of believers to celebrate a feast, or to make a remembrance of a saint. This feast also has a special meaning; it is the gathering of the humans with the angels, their union, their gathering and standing in fear in front of the Creator.(1) Because of the fall of the devil and his angels, this feast is the celebration of the sobriety and unity of the rest of the angelic powers who stayed loyal to God. We celebrate also the contribution of the angels and archangels and their help and support in the war against the dark powers and the devil. We celebrate this feast of unity between angels and humans, and this unity is not in the life to come at the end of times it starts in this world: the angels direct and guard the sons of God who are struggling in this world; they are glad with every sinner returning to God; they convey prayers to God’s throne. Hence, there is a common liturgical work between angels and humans. The angels offer a non-stop continuous doxology and mental worship with humans to God. They offer to the Holy Trinity the Trisagion: With these holy powers, we sinners say the trisagion, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy Lord of Sabaoth, the heavens and earth are filled with Thy glory, hosanna in the highest, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord, hosanna in the highest’. They gather around the holy altar with the priest to serve with him the Liturgy. So there is only one celebration, one feast common between humans and angels: Angels with humans celebrate together, earthly with heavenly speak.(3) Through Thy Cross Christ our God, the angels, and humans become one church, heaven and earth are united, O Lord Glory to Thee.(4) The angels are members of the Church, the body of Christ. The 8th of November is also a specific feast of Archangel Michael, going back in history in celebrating the memory of his church in Arkadia in Constantinople.

All we need is love and something blue!! Happy Monday to all!! #minimal #stackable #stackablebracelets #gold #evileye #beadedbracelets #handmade #handmadejewel...ry #style #madeinmontreal #wristparty #armcandy #grecian #europeanstyle #evileyebracelet #bracelets #trendybracelets #montreal #montrealboutique #giftshop #supportsmallbusiness See more

On November 30, the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates the Feast Day of the Holy Apostle Andreas, one of the 12 Apostles, and also Proklitos, because he was the first called Apostle, along with his brother Petros, who followed Jesus Christ. Apostle Andreas is also the Patron Saint of Patras. The life of Apostle Andreas...Continue reading

On November 26, the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates the Feast Day of Agios Stylianos, the Protector of Children. Agios Stylianos was born in Paphlagonia of A...sia Minor sometime between the fourth and sixth centuries. He inherited a great fortune from his parents when they died, but he did not keep it. He gave it away to the poor according to their need, desiring to help those who were less fortunate. This Saint proved to be a stalwart of the ascetic life. He became an example to young and old alike and was a model to be imitated. But the austerity of his ascetic life did not satisfy him and he wished to approach ever more closely to perfection. He now desired complete isolation and the strictest asceticism: that of a hermit. He bade farewell to his fellow monks in the monastery and retreated far off into the desert away from all habitation. There, in the desert, he lived in a cave. The new phase of his ascetic life was aimed at celestial perfection. The days and nights went by with contemplation, thoughts, and prayers to the Triune God. With all his heart, he hymned God’s majesty, he sang praises to the Holy Trinity. He lived united to God Nothing disturbed his divine serenity. The goodness and piety of the saint soon became evident to the inhabitants of Paphlagonia, and they sought him out to hear his teaching, or to be cured by him. Many were healed of physical and mental illnesses by his prayers. Agios Stylianos was known for his love of children, and he would heal them of their infirmities. Even after his death, the citizens of Paphlagonia believed that he could cure their children. Whenever a child became sick, an icon of Agios Stylianos was painted and was hung over the child’s bed. At the hour of his death, the face of Agios Stylianos suddenly became radiant, and an angel appeared to receive his soul. Agios Stylianos knew that, for people to be saved, they needed to have their souls like those of little children, who are innocent. He recognised that children are little angels, which is why he wished to help them and protect them. And God, Who works miracles, granted Stylianos grace in this matter, too. God rewarded his blessed intent and gave him the wonder-working power to cure ailing children. Mothers from near and far, hastened to him, in pain and faith, bearing sick and crippled children on their shoulders, seeking a cure for their offspring. Some walked for days on end in the wilderness to find the hermit’s cave. When they arrived, they fell at his feet with tears in their eyes, glorifying God that they had finally found the saint and asking him to cure their children. Full of kindness and compassion, Stylianos would take the sick infants into his arms and with tears in his eyes, beg God to cure them. The Lord of the Heavens would listen to his heartfelt prayer and the saint worked a miracle. Sick children regained their health. But it was not only the miraculous cures of children which glorified the name of humble Stylianos. The saint acquired the reputation of wonder-worker because he helped couples conceive through his prayers. Many women have fallen pregnant through his intercessions. Through his blessing, many faithful Christians who had been infertile bore healthy children. Today is also the name day of Stylianos, Styliani, Stergios, Stergia. Xronia Polla!

On November 25, the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates the Feast Day of Agia Aikaterini the Great Martyr of Alexandria, who is also the protector of students an...d unmarried women. Aikaterini was the daughter of Cestus, a wealthy patrician of Alexandria, the capital of Egypt and metropolis of the arts and sciences. She was widely admired not only for her noble birth but also for the exceeding beauty and intelligence that God had given her. Taught by the best masters and most illustrious philosophers, she learned while still a girl to follow complex lines of argument and obtained a perfect understanding of the philosophical systems of Plato, Aristotle, and their followers. She also excelled in the literary sphere, was familiar with the works of all the great poets from Homer to Virgil and was capable of discussing every subject, in a variety of languages learned from scholars and foreign visitors to the great city. In her quest for knowledge, Aikaterini had made herself acquainted with all the physical sciences, especially medicine, and there was no area of human wisdom beyond the range of her penetrating intellect. By the time she was eighteen, even the most learned scholars were in awe of her intellectual accomplishments. All this, combined with noble birth, beauty and wealth, made her an enviable match and there were suitors in plenty for her hand. But having a presentiment of the excellence of virginity, she refused them all and made it a condition with her parents that she would accept none but a youth who equaled her in nobility, riches, beauty, and wisdom. Her mother, in despair of finding such a one, sent her to seek the advice of a holy Christian ascetic who lived not far from the city. He told Aikaterini that he did indeed know a man such as she was looking for, and possessed of that surpassing wisdom which is the very source and spring of all things visible and invisiblewisdom neither gained nor appropriated, but his eternal possession. He is noble also above all that we can think of, for He has authority over the whole universe and has made the world by his own power. Master of the worlds, principle of all wisdom and of all knowledge, He is also, the Elder told her, the most beautiful of the children of men (Psalm 44:3), for He is God incarnate: Son and eternal Word of the Father, who became man for our salvation and who desires to espouse every virginal soul. As he bade her farewell, the ascetic gave her an icon of the Mother of God carrying the divine Child in her arms. That night the Mother of God appeared to Aikaterini, but Christ turned away and would not look at her, saying that she was ugly and unclean because she was still subject to sin and death. Grief-stricken, she went back to the ascetic who instructed her in the mysteries of the faith and gave her new birth unto eternal life in the waters of Baptism. Then the Holy Virgin appeared to Aikaterini again with Christ in her arms, who said to His Mother with joy, Now I will accept her as my most pure bride for she has become radiant and fair, rich and truly wise! In token and pledge of this heavenly betrothal, the Mother of God put a ring upon the finger of the maiden and caused her to promise to take no other spouse upon the earth. Now in those days the Emperor Maximin (305-311), like Diocletian before him, tried to make all his subjects show their submission to his power by offering idolatrous sacrifices under pain of torture and death. When these impious rites were taking place in Alexandria, Aikaterini appeared before him in the temple and declared her allegiance, but severely reproved the idolatrous ceremonies. Struck by her beauty as much as by her boldness, the Emperor listened as she developed her argument, and he was overcome by her wisdom. Accepting her offer to engage the foremost scholars and orators of the Empire in public disputation, Maximin sent heralds all over the Roman world to bring together scholars, philosophers, orators, and logicians. There arrived at Alexandria fifty in all, who presented themselves before the Emperor and the crowd that gathered in the amphitheatre, to confront the slender young girl. Alone, but radiant with the grace of the Holy Spirit, she was in no fear of them, having been assured by the Archangel Michael in a vision that the Lord would speak through her mouth and cause her to overcome the wisdom of the world by the Wisdom that comes from on high. In that strength, Aikaterini showed up the errors and contradictions of oracles, poets and philosophers. She showed how they had recognized for themselves that the so-called gods of the pagans are demons and the expression of human passions. She even referred in support of her arguments to certain oracles of Sibyl and Apollo, which dimly tell of the divine Incarnation and life-giving Passion of the Son of God. Overthrowing their myths and fables, she proclaimed the creation of the world out of nothing by the one, true, eternal God, and the deliverance of man from death by the Incarnation of the only Son of the Father. Having run out of arguments, the fifty orators were reduced to silence. Recognising their error, they asked the Saint for Baptism, to the fury of the Emperor, who condemned them to be burnt alive on November 17. Finding Aikaterini immune to flattery, Maximin had her tortured and thrown into prison, while a dreadful instrument of torture was constructed of four spiked wheels connected by an axle. Aikaterini was attached to this machine as soon as it was ready, but an angel came to free her and the death-dealing chariot hurtled down the slope killing many pagans on its way. Seeing the feats of the holy Martyr, Maximin’s own wife converted and visited Aikaterini in prison, escorted by the commander Porphyrius, a close friend of the Emperor, and by 200 soldiers, all of whom became disciples of Christ. Aikaterini received them with joy and foretold that they would soon bear away the crown of valiant athletes of the faith. The Emperor was enraged at such defiance within his household. Forgetful of all human feelings, he had his own wife cruelly tortured and beheaded on November 23. On the following day, Porphyrius and his company were put to death. On November 25, Aikaterini was brought forth from her dungeon to appear at the tribunal, fairer and more radiant with heavenly joy than when she had entered it, for she saw that the day of her union with Christ had come at last. She was taken outside the city and, after a last prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord who had revealed to her the inexhaustible treasures of true wisdom, she was beheaded in her turn. Her body was then conveyed by two angels from Alexandria to Mount Sinai. There, it was discovered in the eighth century by an ascetic who lived in the vicinity. The precious relic was later transferred to the Monastery that the Emperor Justinian had founded in the late sixth century. It is there to this day, giving forth a heavenly scent and working countless miracles. Today is also the name day of Aikaterini (Katerina, Cathy) and Merkourios. Xronia Polla!

MEN AND BOYS’ GIFT IDEAS! We don’t forget the Boyz! We have some goodies for them too!!! #giftideas #mensnecklace #boysnecklace #mensbracelets #boysbracelet #cr...oss #evileyenecklace #evileyebracelet #boutique #giftshop #handmade #greekstyleboutique #jewelry #mensjewelry #montrealboutique #merakiboutique #madewithlove #madewithsoul #greekmati #evileyejewelry #christmasgifts See more

Christmas ornaments handmade and personalized! Order yours today or just come by our new location! 613 rue Principale, Laval, Sté Dorothée. Special gift wrappin...g offered for free for all gifts over $30. Prices for ornaments and plates vary from $10-$20. Great gift ideas! #evileyeornaments #ornaments #handmadeornaments #personalizedgifts #personalizedornaments #personalizedplates #merakiboutiquemtl #christmasgifts #giftideas See more

Wishing everyone a great month of November!

Feast day of Holy Wonderworkers and Unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian of Mesopotamia The Holy Wonderworkers and Unmercenary Physicians Cosmas and Damian and their mother Saint Theodota were natives of Asia Minor (some sources say Mesopotamia). Their pagan father died while they were still quite small children. Their mother raised them in Christian piety. Through her own example, and by reading holy books to them, Saint Theodota preserved her children in purity of life accordin...Continue reading

NEW IN STORE! #handmadebags #leatherkourelou #handmade #handmadeclutch #madeingreece #merakiboutiquemtl #giftshop #fashiontrends #instore #makeitwithmeraki #koureloubag #fashionhandmade #leatherbag #accessories

Happy Tuesday!! #evileyenecklace #evileyejewelry #cross #crossnecklace #heartpendant #heartnecklace #handmade #heart #handmadejewelry #necklaces #madeinmontreal #merakiboutiquemtl #giftshop #fashiontrends #makeitwithmeraki #fashionhandmade #matinecklace #protectionnecklace #goodvibes #greekeye #giftideas #missinggreece

Backpack! #handmadebags #handmade #merakiboutiquemtl #giftshop #fashiontrends #makeitwithmeraki #koureloubag #fashionhandmade #style #handmadewithlove

Happy Tuesday!! #evileyenecklace #evileyejewelry #cross #crossnecklace #handmade #handmadejewelry #necklaces #madeinmontreal #merakiboutiquemtl #giftshop #fashiontrends #makeitwithmeraki #fashionhandmade #matinecklace #protectionnecklace #goodvibes #greekeye #giftideas #missinggreece

#stackablebracelets #evileyejewelry #handmade #handmadejewelry #bracelets #merakiboutiquemtl #giftshop #fashiontrends #makeitwithmeraki #fashionhandmade #giftideas #evileyebracelet #greekmati

On October 26th, the Greek Orthodox Church celebrates and commemorates Agios Dimitrios, who was born in Thessaloniki, in 270 AD. He came from a wealthy family a...nd because he was athletic in appearance and heroic in spirit, he became a high-ranking officer in the Roman Army at a very young age. (This is why he is depicted in Byzantine icons in military dress, either standing or riding a horse.) He considered himself a soldier of Christ first, and a military soldier second. He spent most of his time as a devout missionary, preaching the Gospel at secret meetings and converting pagans to the Christian faith. At one of these meetings, he was captured and placed in front of Emperor Maximian, who wanted to learn the truth about the conversions. Agios Dimitrios proclaimed his faith by saying: only in Christ do I believe. With that proclamation, Maximian ordered that Saint Demetrios be sent to prison and subjected to the cruellest tortures. Even though Agios Dimitrios was imprisoned, he did not stop preaching the gospel to those who came to see him. In jail, he was visited by his follower, Nestoras. Nestoras was a man of small stature and had come to ask for his beloved teacher’s blessing to fight in the upcoming gladiator games. The emperor had decided to use the games as a duel between Christianity and paganism by challenging any Christian to a fight against the athletic giant, Leo. With the blessing of Agios Dimitrios, Nestoras fought and killed Leo. Enraged at the loss of his favourite gladiator, the emperor commanded that Nestoras be beheaded on the spot. Recognising that Agios Dimitrios was the inspiring power behind Nestoras, the emperor ordered that Agios Dimitrios be executed by spear on October 26, 306 AD. Christians buried the body of Agios Dimitrios at the place of his execution and because of the beautiful scent that emanated from his tomb, he was named ‘Mirovlitis’ or The Myrrh Gusher. The most ancient icons of Agios Dimitrios may be found in his temple in Thessaloniki where he is the patron saint. This is not just because he was born and died there, but because the people believe it was his intervention that saved the city during many attacks by Slavic nations, the Bulgarians, Arabs, Saracens, and others. Xronia polla!!! Happy Name Day to Dimitrios and Dimitra and to all celebrating today.

A day late.... Happy name day to all who celebrated yesterday

Two-toning rose gold with black!! Happy Tuesday!!! #statementjewelry #minimal #stackable #stackablebracelets #rosegold #twotone #handmade #charmbracelet #handma...dejewelry #style #fashion #montrealboutique #giftshop #jewelrydesigner #madeinmontreal #wristparty #armcandy #merakiboutiquemtl #europeanstyle #mikonijewelry #bracelets #trendybracelets #evileyejewelry #evileyebracelet #evileye #rosegold See more

ARRIVED!!! #handmadeclutch #evileye #handmade #madeingreece #merakiboutiquemtl #giftshop #fashiontrends #fashiontrends #instore #makeitwithmeraki #fashionhandmade #velvet #evileyeclutch

On October 18, the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke. The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, was a native of Syrian Antioch, a companion of the holy Apostle Paul (Phil.1:24, 2 Tim. 4:10-11), and a physician enlightened in the Greek medical arts. Hearing about Christ, Luke arrived in Palestine and fervently accepted the preaching of salvation from the Lord Himself. As one of the Seventy Apostles, Saint Luke was sent by the Lord with the oth...Continue reading

Happy Sunday!!! Love these statement cross earrings! #statementjewelry #statementearrings #gold #crossearrings #stackablerings #handmade #cross #evileye #rings #handmadejewelry #style #fashion #designer #jewelrydesigner #styleblogger #fashionista #madeinmontreal #jewelrytrends #grecian #europeanstyle #montrealboutique #giftshop #merakiboutiquemtl

Look of the day!! Love the earth tones! #minimal #gold #layerednecklaces #stackablebracelets #handmade #rosary #rosarynecklace #cross #evileye #handmadejewelry #style #fashion #designer #crossnecklace #armcandy #wristparty #rings #jewelrydesigner #styleblogger #fashionista #madeinmontreal #jewelrytrends #grecian #europeanstyle #montrealboutique #giftshop #merakiboutiquemtl

Have a Blessed Sunday!#stackablebracelets #evileyebracelet #crossbracelet #cross #evileyejewelry #handmade #handmadejewelry #bracelets #necklaces #crosspendant #merakiboutiquemtl #giftshop #fashiontrends #makeitwithmeraki #fashionhandmade #giftideas

New decor pieces #cross #goodluckcharm #boutique #giftshop #handmade #greekstyleboutique #homedecor #crossdecor #gouria #accessories #montrealboutique #merakiboutique #madewithlove #madewithsoul #madeingreece

All about layering!!! #cross #crosspendant #paperclipchain #layerednecklaces #evileyenecklace #evileyejewelry #handmade #handmadejewelry #necklaces #madeinmontreal #merakiboutiquemtl #giftshop #fashiontrends #makeitwithmeraki #fashionhandmade #matinecklace #protectionnecklace #goodvibes

#heartbracelet #heartnecklace #stackablebracelets #evileyebracelet #crossbracelet #cross #heart #evileyejewelry #handmade #handmadejewelry #...bracelets #necklaces #merakiboutiquemtl #giftshop #fashiontrends #makeitwithmeraki #fashionhandmade #giftideas #allweneedislove #love See more

Happy Sunday!! Trendy stackable rings available at Meraki boutique! #minimal #stackable #crossring #stackablerings #greekmati #evileye #handmade #evileyering #h...andmadejewelry #style #designer #jewelrydesigner #merakiboutique #fashionista #madeinmontreal #grecian #europeanstyle #mikonijewelry #rings #trendyrings #montrealboutique #boutiqueshopping See more

Happy Saturday! All about the eyes!!! Unique designs! #evileye #evileyejewelry #evileyebracelet #handmade #handmadejewelry #necklaces #madeinmontreal #madeingreece #merakiboutiquemtl #giftshop #fashiontrends #makeitwithmeraki #fashionhandmade #matibracelet #protectionbracelet #goodvibes

If you don’t know who Saint Cyprianos was, I suggest you read below. Very relevant to the world of evil we live in today... On October 2nd the Greek Orthodox Church commemorates and celebrates the following saints: Hieromartyr Cyprian, Virgin Martyr Justina, and Martyr Theoctistus, of Nicomedia...Continue reading

Gemstone bracelets and pendants ! #stackable #stackablebracelets #gold #gemstones #heartbracelet #heartnecklace #beadedbracelets #gemstonebracelets #handmade #handmadejewelry #style #madeinmontreal #wristparty #armcandy #grecian #europeanstyle #bracelets #trendybracelets #montreal #montrealboutique #giftshop

2K FOLLOWERS GIVEAWAY!!!! One winner takes it all! Value $200 (clutch, pomegranate and 3 bracelets) To enter you must do the following:... 1. Share this post in your story and use the MENTION icon to tag @meraki_boutique.mtl Or write a review about a positive experience in our boutique 2. Like this post 3. Tag 3 of your friends The winner will be announced October 4th Deadline to enter is October 3rd at 11:59pm Good luck to all and thank you for your continuous support! God bless you!

All about the eyes!!! #evileyenecklace #evileyejewelry #evileyebracelet #handmade #handmadejewelry #necklaces #madeinmontreal #madeingreece #merakiboutiquemtl #giftshop #fashiontrends #makeitwithmeraki #fashionhandmade #matinecklace #protectionnecklace #goodvibes

COMING SOON TO THE BOUTIQUE #handmadeclutch #evileye #handmade #madeingreece #merakiboutiquemtl #giftshop #fashiontrends #fashiontrends #comingsoon #makeitwithmeraki #fashionhandmade #velvet #evileyeclutch

New car charms in store! Or just hang in your home! #boutique #giftshop #handmade #greekstyleboutique #jewelry #homedecor #goodluckcharms #gouria #accessories #montrealboutique #merakiboutique #madewithlove #madewithsoul #greekmati #evileyejewelry #evileyedecor #crosscharm #carcharm

The Greek Orthodox Church Commemorates on September 23: The Monastic Women Xanthippe and Polyxene were sisters by birth who lived in Spain in the time of the holy Apostles. They were among the first to hear the divine teaching of Christ the Savior from the Apostle Paul when he preached near their home. St. Xanthippe and her husband, Probus, accepted Christianity, but St. Polyxene was still a pagan when a certain man became entranced with her extraordinary beauty and forcibl...y carried her off to Greece on a ship. However, the Lord preserved her unharmed. On the voyage, she heard the preaching of the Apostle Peter and came to believe in Christ. When she arrived in Greece, St. Polyxene turned to the Christians for protection, and they hid her in the city of Patra where she formally accepted Christianity and was baptized by the Apostle Andrew. She became a witness to St. Andrew’s miracles and saw how he patiently and humbly endured his sufferings and death, standing at the foot of the cross when they crucified him. After his death, St. Polyxene returned to Spain, where she and her older sister, Xanthippe, converted many pagans to Christ. St. Polyxene toiled for about forty years preaching the Gospel in Spain. St. Xanthippe shared in her sister’s work and preached in the populous city of Toledo. St. Polyxene reposed in about the year 109, having preserved her virginity to the end of her earthly life. Today is the name day of Xanthippe and Polyxene Xronia polla!!!