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Let’s share our August escapades !

We visited in the Cyclades, the churches and monasteries of Sifnos

The numerous churches and monasteries of Sifnos are closely
linked to the history, architectural tradition and social
and religious life of the island.
From a historical point of view, the Sifniots took advantage
of the privileges granted to them by the Turkish sultans in terms  of religious freedom.
Thus in 1646 the Archbishopric of Sifnos was founded which,
in addition to Sifnos, included the islands of Amorgos, Anafi,
Astypalaia, Iraklia, los, Mykonos, Serifos, Sikinos and Folegandros.
Subsequently, the Sifniots got into the habit of bequeathing their
property to churches and monasteries and taking charge of various
obligations, such as the celebration of ceremonies (mainly festivals).

Many of the churches and monasteries of Sifnos are classified as historical monuments and are of great religious and architectural interest. Ecclesiastical committees and “fraternities” are responsible for their maintenance, with admirable perseverance and often voluntary work, although some of these buildings are often located in places inaccessible to motorized vehicles.
The number of churches and monasteries that exist in Sifnos testifies to the religious tradition of the inhabitants. Compared to the total area of ​​the island, this number of 237 is the highest in all the Cyclades.

At the end of a steep path, at the bend of a winding road or in the middle of a grove of olive trees, the contemplation of these religious buildings is each time an explosion of light.
HJLepetit photos (click on the image to enlarge it)

ON SATURDAY JULY 27, WE GO TO REPENTIGNY

Meeting with Marc Soulé,
President of the Association les Amis du Patrimoine de Repentigny

http://repentignypatrimoine.com

From left to right: Henri-Jean Lepetit and Marc Soulé in front of the magnificent altarpiece of the Église de Saint-Martin – (click on the picture to enlarge)

Saturday July 27, at the invitation of Marc Soulé, we went to Repentigny, a small village which dominates the Dorette valley.

On this occasion, we were able to visit the Saint-Martin church and admire, among other things, its medieval altarpiece dating from the end of the 16th century; a unique piece!

With a view to our future developments for the Saint-Maclou chapel, Marc presented us with the equipment produced.

These meetings between associations which have the same vision of the importance of preserving the heritage of Pays d’Auge, and which share the same objectives, contribute to advancing discussions, to the success of projects, to supporting and advising each other, as sometimes the labyrinth of constraints can prove discouraging.

A big thank you to Pierre Betelaud, parliamentary attaché to Jérémie Patrier-Leitus Deputy for the 3rd constituency of Calvados, for this connection and to Marc for his welcome.

  Henri-Jean Lepetit

Let’s share our escapades!

We visited the Saint-Germain church in Argentan

The church takes its name from Saint-Germain, bishop of Auxerre, who passed to Argentan
around 435.
Its construction began in the 15th century and was completed in the 18th century,
resulting in a mixture of architectural styles.
It thus presents to the north a majestic porch which dates from the 15th century,
a Gothic nave and transept and a Renaissance apse.
The lantern tower, integrated into the main building, rises above the transept crossing. 
 It is characteristic of large “Norman-style” churches.
The building has been classified as a historic monument in 1886 and 1889.

The Saint-Germain church in Argentan – Photos HJLepetit (click on the image to enlarge it)