Welcome to the Stavros Project Website
Father John Apostolakis
In Crete, the largest island of Greece, there lies a fruiful
valley, a twenty minute drive from the city of Chania. In this
valley, there is a village called Skines. It is home to the great
orange festival, and about seven hundred villagers. The mountains
near this village are pictured above. It is a lush green area,
home to the wild rabbits, unique birds and other animals that
only inhabit this area. Where Father John Apostolakis, (Founder
of the Stavros Project), is standing, is the future sight of the
Stavros Project. This point on the mountain overlooks Skines, and
nearby villages, such as Fournes and Alikianos.
The "Stavros" or "The Cross of Crete"
project .
On a hill which the old timers called the 'hill of man', west
of the valley of Skines - Fournes near the city of Hania on the
island of Crete, a project is slowly coming to life. It depicits
the purpose of the meaning of true life. It is a series of
dramatized steps of the triumphant last events in the life of our
Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
It begins from the north side opposite the Stavros square
with an open amphitheatre, Byzantine style which would correspond
to the judgement halls of Caiaphas and Pilate.
Walking south on a stone paved walkway we reach the burial
cave of Jesus. Next to the burial site is the " living
waters".
Water fountains with quotations on the right and left from
the 'living Words of the Master'.
Again walking south our next stop brings us to the "Garden
of Gesthemane". Here we sense the agony of the Savior.
Our next station brings us to the square of the "Stavros".
The place where man after the shame of the cross, becomes
glorified.
Departing the square of the "Stavros" we finally
arrive at a beautiful architectual stucture that will serve as a
resting place for the traveler with a cafeteria and a conference
center.
This whole project which is placed in one of the most
beautiful natural locations in Crete in the shadow of the "Lefka
Ori" (The White Mountains) serves as a memorial for all
Christianity.
It is the dramatized example from the Greatest Teacher, for
every disciple to follow. And he said to them " if any man
would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross
and follow me".
Our goal is to complete this mission and project within the
next five years.
The main reason is to celebrate through visual and actual
monuments significant events in the life of Christ. One major
benefit is that visitors will be able to enjoy the preserved
natural environment surrounding the park. By creating the park,
the use of the land will benefit all. It is expected to attract
visitors and help the economic development in nearby villages by
providing employment and tourism.
Although the project is well under way, more help is needed
in the form of financial and material contributions. Volunteers
are all welcome to come and help. Your support is welcome to
realize this project and ensure the spiritual, cultural, and
economic prosperity of this vital region of Crete. For more
information on the Stavros Project or to direct your
contributions please contact:
Father John Apostolakis
Skines, Kydonias
Hania, Crete,
Greece
Phone 30 821 77 237
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX 
Skines is located just 20 minutes South of the
city, Hania. The Kydonia Province of Crete itself is a wonderful
area, rich in culture and background, with the Samaria Gorge and
Lefka Ori nearby. From the site of the religious park, the Lefka
Ori provides a spectacular view.
A Website
with Information on Crete This website was created by Lydia
Eleni Bigelow with the help of Mark G. Bigelow.