The Greece was voted as the most beautiful country in the world for 2016

The Greece was voted as the most beautiful country in the world for 2016, of the thousands of readers of the famous travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler, in the context of the annual Tourism Awards conferred, with headquarters in New York!

    "Greece continues to captivate your imagination enthusiasm in all areas," he writes in the Awards preface for Best Country World 2016 magazine, praising our country, which although in artificial largely Crisis, continues to radiate, to shine, to dazzle, to attract and inspire millions of people and dreams in all the earth!

The top 20 ranking positions:

    1. Greece
    2. Italy
    3. US
    4. South Africa
    5. France
    6. Spain
    7. India
    8. Australia
    9. Thailand
  10. Mexico
  11. New Zealand
  12. Portugal
  13. Canada
  14. Argentina
  15. Sri Lanka
  16. Morocco
  17. Indonesia
  18. Ireland
  19. Japan
  20. Vietnam

source : in Greece 

Thessalonica Wildlife

Travelers can visit wildlife habitats in Thessalonica and leave the place having enjoyed a unique, satisfying experience.

There are many places of ecological interest in the area, such as the forest of Seih Su, which is home to an impressive and unusual array of wildlife that developed as a result of the close proximity of the forest to Mount Chortiatis and the recent ban on hunting.

The forest is home to turtles, two tortoise species, snakes,

and lizards. The birds that visit the forest are many and varied. Hoopoes and ortolan are rare to see – cross your fingers. In the spring, osprey and peregrine falcons, nightingales and warblers nest in the forest. In the winter tits and bullfinches arrive from colder climates, followed by birds of prey such as marsh harriers, buzzards, kestrels and sparrow hawks. Nocturnal sights include badgers, foxes, and owls.

Unfortunately, a fire that occurred in the summer of 1997 destroyed a significant area of the forest and recovery is taking many years.

Another place of interest is the lake district where the visitor can see the popular wetlands of the north. The Ramsar Convention has recognized the Koronia and Volvi Lakes and the delta 

area to the west of Thessaloniki formed by the three rivers Aliakmona, Loudia and Axios, as a wetland of international importance. To the east the Anthemounda valley and on the Thermaic Gulf opposite the Axios delta are the two small, but significant coastal wetlands of Agelochori and Epanomi.

Read more: http://www.frugalmonkey.com/greece/thessalonica-wildlife/#ixzz4Pv15Jaif

I Thessalonians

                   
 Author: Paul of Tarsu

Date Written: 51 AD

  

Paul wrote this letter in 51 AD from Corinth.  He and Silas had begun preaching the gospel in Macedonian Thessalonica, but were persecuted by the Jewish leaders.  The uproar over their teachings was so great they had to sneak out of the city by night (Acts 17).  The unrest even followed them to the next town in which they ministered, Berea.  Before writing 1 Thessalonians, Paul received good news from Timothy about the church at Thessalonica.  Though imperfect (3:10), the Thessalonians were standing fast in their faith (3:8), so Paul writes this letter as a response to encourage them all the more.

  

The city of Thessalonica was a prosperous Roman city and the capital of the province of Macedonia.  It was situated on the Aegean Sea and the Via Egnatia-the same road that runs through Philippi.  It functioned as an important center of trade and culture.

  

Paul begins his letter by referring to the common "work of faith, labor of love and steadfastness of hope" he has with the Thessalonians (1:3).  He sees them, not merely as souls to be ministered to, but as brothers who participate in the same work.  The presentation of the theological virtues (faith, hope and love) points forward to 1 Cor 13 which Paul writes about 5 years later.

  

He praises the Thessalonians' faith in the midst of suffering (1:6).  They have probably endured some persecution as evidenced by the events of Acts 17.  Paul reaffirms his own and his team's (Silas and Timothy) sincerity in ministering to the church.   They did not accept donations from the Thessalonians, but provided for their own needs by working (2:9).  Nevertheless they apparently received some financial assistance from the Philippians (Phil 4:16). 

  

Paul and his companions desire to return to Thessalonica and are praying that they will be able to do so (1 Thess 2:17, 3:13).  Paul's pastoral affection for the Thessalonians evident in the letter reveals his intense personal connection with them and his profound understanding of his Christian commitment.  Timothy's good report about the Thessalonians increases Paul's desire to return and his love for the church (3:6-10).

  

Paul inserts a prayer (3:11-13) in the middle of 1 Thess to transition between the two parts of the letter.  The first part (1:1-3:10) deals with Paul's relationship with the Thessalonians.  In the second part (3:14-5:28), Paul exhorts the Thessalonians in their faith and teaches them.

  

Paul begins the teaching part by calling the Thessalonians to "abstain from sexual immorality" (4:3).  Most of the Christians at Thessalonica were Gentiles and former pagans.  Much of the pagan worship in the city involved sexual rituals.  Paul's teaching calls for a radical rejection of this accepted part of Thessalonian culture.  Next Paul gives a detailed teaching about death and the Second Coming.  When Jesus returns, Christians who have died will rise from the dead and Christians who are alive will be "caught up in the air" with the Lord (4:17).  Paul calls for vigilance in awaiting the Lord's return.  Then Paul instructs the Thessalonians to respect their spiritual leaders and to pray with joy and thanksgiving (5:12-22). 

  

 He ends the letter with a blessing prayer (5:23-24) and a few closing comments (5:25-28).  1 Thessalonians deals with an array of issues and gives us a taste of Paul's early missionary work.

By Mark Giszczak

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57th Thessaloniki International Film Festival

57th Thessaloniki International Film Festival

03 - November 13 2016 Faithful to its established annual appointment, the 57th Thessaloniki International Film Festival will take placeNovember 3 - 13, 2016. With renewed vision and a strong dedication to independent cinema, the Festival will once more invite both film makers and the audience to a special celebration of film. Films from all over the world, cinematic surprises, distinguished guests, tributes, masterclasses, round table discussions and parallel events will comprise the ten-day event. CKLICK HERE  ALL EVENTS TAKING PLACE