St Joachim of Ithaca, Greece – Papoulakis - Our Icon/Reliquary at All Holy Spirit

One of our newer Icons is St. Joachim of Ithaca, located directly above our Candle stand in the front of our sanctuary. St Joachim (Papoulakis) is known as the Patron Saint of Tiny churches. There are cards available (in the Narthex) that include a photo of the icon of St. Joachim and provide a brief story of his life and ministry. St Joachim was known to travel long distances to visit every home and every church, offering great love and encouragement to everyone he encountered. He would beg for food so that he could give it to those who were hungry. He tended to Christians throughout Greece during the Greek war of independence, consoling those who were in danger, distress and grief. And now, he has travelled to Omaha. We are blessed to have his relics, which are ensconced in the gold reliquary at the bottom of his blessed Icon. When I    ponder St Joachim, and his long journey in life and his even longer journey to Omaha recently, I wonder why God feels his presence is required in our midst.  Perhaps there are those in our parish or in our community who need our encouragement, consolation and love. Perhaps we can provide for spiritual needs as well as practical needs for those nearby. 

St Joachim’s journey to Omaha is interesting. In 2023, Baylie and Taras Kotsan were married in Ithaca. Father Alexander Lukashonok participated in their   marriage ceremony, along with a local priest by the name of Father Theodosius. The two priests spent some time touring Ithaca, with Father Theodosius pointing out sites where Papoulakis was known to have visited and/or performed miracles. Father Theodosius gave Father Alexander the precious gift of St. Joachim’s relics. Our own Tom Denich took on the task of writing this special Icon for the church, and selected the reliquary. 

The rich history of the Orthodox church and of her Saints is all new to me, since I grew up in a Protestant home.  As I study more of the saints, I’ll be making more of the little cards.