Thessaly, Greece, (9 November, 2024) - Ambelli, a non-profit company, has launched a series of innovative community development and cultural promotion activities in Thessaly Greece under its flagship project, Beezantium. The community engagement initiative draws inspiration from Byzantine culture, most notably the holy icon of the Virgin Mary of the Bees, the life of bees and Orthodox thought on the beehive as the ideal prototype for human society. Last September, Thessaly was shattered by the devasting floods of Storm Daniel when more than 110,000 beehives were destroyed and countless homes and villages left in utter ruin. 

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Beezantium engages the community in discussions, debate and experiential workshops to envision a new way forward. The project adopts a multifaceted approach weaving cultural promotion, community development and environmental protection across its endeavors. Among the top activities initiated include:

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Academic lectures and group discussions:  Residents in rural Thessaly came together in mid-October to learn about Byzantine art, beekeeping, sustainable farming and the potential for apiculture tourism in rural areas. The event included public veneration of the local icon, Virgin Mary of the Bees, and information on the historical and theological underpinnings its hagiography. Distinguished guests included Hieromonk George Alevras of Mount Athos who served as the event's keynote speaker,  Vasilios Douras, Past President of the Federation of Beekeeping Associations of Greece (OMSE), (EPBA) Professional beekeepers, Fani Hatzina , Biologist - ELGO Research Director Dimitra, President for the 2nd four-year term of the Apimondia scientific committee for bee health and coordinator of 16 European and Greek programs, Katerina Karatasou , Veterinarian, Beekeeping Supervisor Larissa and Nikos Asoutis Didaras , Veterinarian Msc , PhD. The lectures were followed by roundtable discussions, Q & A and, a week later, with the start of autumnal harvest of olives at the communal gardens, a practical application of the lessons and tips learned from the event on farming practices to support bee pollination.

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Icon and artistic workshops: In honor of Beezantium, Ambelli has implemented a Byzantine icongraphy project in partnership with Prophet Elijah Charity.  In October, a group of blossoming adult artists attended a workshop dedicated to the study of holy icon of the Virgin Mary of the Bees and its artistic traditions and techniques. This diverse group has started to replicate the icon which will take several weeks to complete. The activity is complemented by traditional curriculum in iconography. 

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Educational activities for children:   Starting in November, Ambelli in collaboration with the Foreign Language Centers Soula Tsiatsiou - Rakoviti have launched a six-month educational program for primary school children. The program introduces the young students to the rich heritage of Byzantine culture, while teaching them about the life of beehive underscoring the importance of cooperation. Through creative activities such as games, stories and special exercises, children are encouraged to discover the value of social cohesion, mutual respect and the critical need to protect nature.

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​In launching Beezantium, Ambelli collaborates with stakeholders, residents and experts to drive dialogue, learning and cooperation to advance sustainability and community renewal in Thessaly. The project will run until July 2025 delivering workshops and trainings in various rural areas of Thessaly. 

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Beezantium is co-financed by The Headley Southeast Europe Cultural Heritage fund and administered by the Balkan Museum Network.