The Eastern Orthodox faith is the oldest denomination dating from its inception with our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ and passed down through Apostolic succession. It has many therapeutic practices that help heal body, mind, and soul. In this workshop we will learn how the Mysteries of the Church aid in emotional, physical and mental healing; contemplate and journal on the Sayings of the Desert Fathers and Mothers through the aphorisms they left in the oral tradition; practice breathing and praying the Jesus Prayer, and create a devotional icon or a prayer rope, a chotchki or komboskini. Via Zoom or in person. Donations appreciated.

Astoria has been an ethnic enclave since early 19th century. Our in-person guided group walk will discover the cultural history of this neighborhood by visiting several ethnic eateries, from the Maltese Center where rabbit stew dating from the Phoenicians is served to the Czech Bohemian Hall and Garden where you can down traditional Budvar and mushroom dumplings. Some of the the best shawarma and baklava on Little Egypt to Greek cafes and souvlaki trucks as well as Croatian/Bosnian burek and the best cannoli. We will eat our way through the ethnic history of the neighborhood and learn about the waves of immigration that have left their mark here. We will work up an appetite by walking roughly two miles starting from Ditmars Blvd and ending at Max Bratwurst and Bier on 30th Avenue. Good walking shoes, money needed and an appetite.
ACCESSIBILITY
Good on foot fairly accessible even to those in wheelchair. Conveniently starting at N/W last stop and ending at 30th Avenue subway. Approx 2 miles
LOCATION INFORMATION
RSVP is required and capacity is limited. Meeting location, ending location, and directions will be provided via email before walk date.

I have given this walking tour many times before as I am a veteran Astorian resident and a proud Greek since 1977!

Learn the three ways to make your own natural soaps: cold process, hot process and melt-and-pour. In this workshop, I will take you through the cold process of making soap using 100% oils and essential oils that can be tweaked to different skin needs. Soap bars you purchase in the supermarket are full of abrasive chemicals. Here we learn to craft emollient real soap from natural ingredients such as olive oil, grapeseed, jojoba, sunflower, shea butter, oatmeal, even yogurt and goat milk. Great for amateur chemists and those wanting to take control of what is in their soap. Calibrate soap recipes to your skin type. Learn the process and experiment at home. We will review oils, essential oils and decorative techniques such as layering, swirling, and creative molding. Go home with 4-5 oz bars and the knowledge to keep making your own creations.