14/05/2026
Chloe my daughter wrote these words for an English assignment about my mum ( Chloe’s Γιαγιά )
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I glanced around the kitchen, staring at the painted icons which sat carefully on the wall observing quietly over the room. Their golden halos shone with the warm afternoon sun that peeked through the ageing windows.
My Grandma, who I call Yiaya in Greek, has always been an influential figure in my life. Since the day I was born she has always been by my side, hugging me with her warm embrace and a soft smile each time I see her. Growing up I have always felt a sense of warmth whenever I am with my Yaiya, or even in my grandparents house. Without having to speak, the sounds and presence of faith quietly lives in every corner of her house. It exists in the flame that flickers of her small oil candle which never goes out, in the icons which stand as reminders of those who lived for Christ, and in my Yaiyas gentle gestures which reflect Gods love.
For my Yaiya, faith has always been an influential factor in her life, mainly because of her upbringing in a strong Greek orthodox household. She told me how her beliefs were something that grew with her, almost like a shadow which followed her in every step of life. However, when she courageously decided to leave everything she knew and move to a new country filled with opportunity, faith became something more powerful. Something necessary.
In a new country, with new people and an unknown culture, my Yiaya prioritized prayer. She often tells me how prayer was not just something that helped her cope, but it also reminded her that she was not alone.
To convey this deep connection, my Yaiya recounted a moment that reassured her she was not alone. The story began with her on the plane to Australia, sitting in an unfamiliar environment surrounded by the thoughts of optimism, unease and uncertainty. At the age of 18, she knew that this decision would change her life for the better. During the flight eventually she fell asleep, and in her dream she saw a holy figure which stood in front of her holding her weary hands. She explained him as being old, and filled with wisdom, who looked at her as if he was familiar with her struggles. The Saint told her that “you will find a lot of hardships in life, but I will always be there for you”. When she woke up, everything around her was the same, but something within her was different. She knew that this wasn't just belief, it was certainty.
As a result of her many experiences with her faith, she has and continues to live her life in a way that reflects Christ's love. What I think makes her faith so powerful is not only the miracles that she shares, but also how she lives because of them.
She consistently blesses her home with a smoke called livani known as incense, with intention and purpose. She speaks kindly to those around her, gives generously with her cooking that she loves to make, and treats everyone equally. Within these small gestures, the shadow of her faith becomes evident and admirable.
And when she speaks about what she hopes for her children and grandchildren in life, it is a simple answer. To believe, to feel protected, and reflect Christ's love not just in conversation but in actions. As a result of this I have learned and am still learning how to deepen my faith and help people whenever I can, because I want others to see Christ's love within me that I see in my Yiaya.
When I asked her what she wanted to be remembered for, she didn't mention the hardships she went through or the strength she needed to overcome them. Instead she said "I want to be remembered as loving and giving, who helps others and makes people smile”.
And I believe that is what faith looks like.
From my Yaiya’s journey, I have understood that faith is both inherited and developed through personal experience. Her story represents a turning point in my own understanding, influencing the way I perceive belief, resilience, and compassion. It has guided me to not only value faith, but to actively express it through my actions and relationships with others.
📷 Agios Ioannis Thelogos
