It's easy to remember my childhood years. The memories of that time of my life flood my mind every time I visit Homori.

An early morning trip to the field of Kanavokipo to gather oregano has become a summer tradition. It's about a 30-minute walk, but it takes much longer if you pause to enjoy the songs of the birds and the fragrance of the wildflowers.

Any time of year is a good time to sit in the town square of Homori and reminisce with the town elders over a glass of ouzo or a cup of coffee. Some of these elders have now moved to the cities with their families and some have passed away. They are missed.

For me it is a special pleasure in the summer to see some of the elder relatives and family friends, such as Thea Aphrodite, Theo and Thea Kotsotas, our retired priest, Pater Antonis and others.

I have not lived in Homori for more than 50 years, although I visit for a few weeks, twice a year. The changes I have observed during these five decades have been gradual, rather than sweeping. Walking paths have evolved into narrow paved roads that connect the various mountain villages.

Automobiles have replaced horses and donkeys. Electricity, telephones and inside plumbing have been installed, replacing the oil lamp, the outside toilet -- and loud calling from one neighbor to another!

None of these changes, however, have taken away the quaint beauty of "old" Homori: the red-tiled roofs, the lush mountain greenery, and the friendly, welcoming voices of the villagers. The permanent population has dwindled since I lived there, to be sure; fewer than 30 people now keep the village alive year-round.

However, several hundred people return in summer to vacation there. Truly, Homori has become a tourist destination! But come November, the village falls asleep, and during the long winter, life reverts back to a quiet, peaceful time - the Homori of my childhood.

It is sad to think that within a generation, or with the passing of the 30-plus year-round residents, Homori our beautiful village could be deserted. Will there be a priest to perform a trisagion at the grave plots? What roll will our present generation play to see that our children and grandchildren will not forget Homori?

The Odyssey, an ancient Greek poem, describing the wanderings of Odysseus, states: "keep Ithaca always in your mind, arriving there is what you're destined for. But don't hurry the journey at all. Better if it lasts for years."

We have an obligation to our ancestors to keep Homori alive. Let us hope that "Η Φωνή της Χόμορης" (The Voice of Homori), the recently published bi-lingual newspaper, as well as the excellent Web Site, www.chomori.gr set up by Xenia the daughter of Bobby and Georgia Chantzis are the vehicles which could make our dream a reality.

We must concern ourselves with "ενότητα" (unity) and leave behind the things that separate us. Homorites have many things to be proud of.

We are proud of our Author, Prof. Antonios Drosos, who just published "Αντίλαλοι Από Τη Χόμορη (Echoes from Homori)". We thank all those who made the publishing of this book possible.

A question: Can a synopsis be translated into English so that our children and grandchildren better understand the "wealth" that lies within Homori?

The stars will always shine on Homori but it is the "λυχνάρι", (the lantern) that we must keep lit before it is too late and darkness takes over.

Trifon Skiadas

p.s. Chomori.gr congratulates and thanks the friend and fellow-villager Trifon Skiadas, for this excellent story. We believe that it touches the soul of all "Chomorites".