Category: Greece/Greeks

March Forward! Progress!

Follow me!

March forward! Progress! March, the month that encourages our replenishment of ourselves and our renude (renewed) progress as both an individual, as a community and as a culture! Bare practitioners resolute in our quest for recognition and respect!

March forward! Progress! March, here in the Northern Hemisphere, is our traditional “transitional” month! Important, memorable and necessary as this is the month that marks our transition (change) from the dreadfully depressing and dull days of winter into the joys of spring!

Pace yourselves!

Due to this ecstatic progress, “March forward!” is a proverbial useless command. Some march, some run, some stroll and some saunter and then there are those clueless ones who aimlessly wander along, set in their own pace. What is critical is that we’re all moving together – in both our nakedness and also in the same direction!

March f-o-r-w-a-r-d! Trust me, no one wants to awaken tomorrow morning moving closer to winter than spring. F-o-r-w-a-r-d! Progress!

Keep your eyes open!

During this month of transition, the routine of daylight savings time (DST) occurs annually. The final result unfortunately is not any reward of extra time but simply a “gift” of longer days of sunlight due to time adjustments.

March also delivers the official arrival of the season of springtime every year! This includes our excitement about the fading frigid temperatures outside and the renewed of warmer temperatures in our natural environment! This annual event is honoured in our outdoor world with the return of foliage to our forests and woodlands as springtime blooms and blossoms all around us.

Flexing his muscles!

Here at ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! we are encouraged to practice the custom and habit of Spring Resolutions with the arrival of the rejuvenating season instead of the barren and burdensome drudgery of new year’s resolutions!

The arrival of springtime is welcoming to change and conducive to progress. The new year arrival at the onset of the winter season is merely too depressing an atmosphere!

Bare swimmers!

Bonus Reward:

The month of March also brings those of us residing in the Northern Hemisphere closer to eager arrival of the summer season and our fanciful practice of skinny dipping (swimming nude) in bodies of water offered in our natural world!

Ancient Greek warriors!

Triple Bonus Rewards!

March additionally offers the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Mother of God)! The day that heralded the uprising against the Turkish Ottoman Empire and led to the establishment of the Kingdom of Greece by uniting the crown, the church and the state!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys WithoutBoxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, March 6, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “One Year Later!”

Bare Celebrities # 6: Identity!

Felipe Ferreira and his “Pride” tattoo!

Alternate Title:

Identity/Perception!

The purpose of our “Bare Celebrities” series!

Background/Introduction:

We, as humans, (and I use that term very generally in these chaotic times) self-identify ourselves in a variety of manners/ways. One of the many reasons for this practice is to remind both others and ourselves as to what we are about – the essence as to what and who we truly are)! What is important to us? Why? Basically, is this me?

As bare practitioners (same gender loving – SGL – nakedness enthusiasts) there are numerous options available for the expression and revelation of ourselves. Among these are the ones we prefer that incorporate our clothes freedom opportunities (nakedness) such as body painting and/or tattooing. Body painting is washable, tattooing is more permanent or eternal.

Tattoo!

Tattoo #1: Pride

Our post entry header (above top) is Brazilian model/gay adult film industry actor/ and DJ Felipe Ferreira discretely posing with his throat tattoo: pride announcing his confidence in being both SGL (gay) and nude! The .gif image (directly above) is Felipe (now matured somewhat) specifically showing muscular development and the upper boundary of his pubic hairline.

Below, he models his commando (underwear freedom) preference in a selfie that publicly proves he indeed has a penis!

Felipe and groomed (shaved) pubic hair!

Footnote # 1: As Felipe has grown in his professional exposure, so has his comfort on revealing his genitalia!

Below, with fellow gay adult film industry actor, Rhyheim Shabazz, he is openly sharing both his nakedness and his sexuality!

Felipe (left) and Rhyheim (right)!

Footnote #2: Partnered with Felipe, our man Rhyheim never had his preference for nakedness nor his sexuality ever doubted or questioned. However, he was almost always never discrete over either trait!

Felipe and Rhyheim share a bed together!

Tattoo #2: Unashamed

Reign: Unashamed!

A former U.S. Navy volunteer and a recent newcomer to the SGL adult film industry, Reign proudly proclaims his bromantic (exclusive male sexual preference) and his nakedness by having the label unashamed tattooed just above his pubic hairline! His confidence in himself is readily available for all to understand whether he is posing nude or shirtless wearing a swim suit (below)!

Unashamed still visible!

Often criticized for his ornately tattooed chest and torso, Reign has no regrets nor suffers shame revealing his true self and his availability and his masculinity! He also proudly maintains his natural body hair (armpit and pubic).

Reign: sailor with underarm fur!

Reign served in the navy when then-President Obama officially ended the ban on SGL persons openly serving in the U.S. military.

Under contract with Raging Stallion Studios since 2020, Reign made no secret of his desire, preference and his willingness to perform in beta positions (bottom) roles on screen. He has trouble understanding why professional actors have issues with appearing in the “receiving” roles when filming scenes.

“I really enjoy being a bottom-man and I enjoy being versatile. To be truthful, I really enjoy sex and am happy have that as my job! Giving (alpha) or receiving (beta), it makes no difference to me!” ~ Reign ~ Raging Stallion Studios interview 2022

Reign: full exposure!

In the above image, Reign unveils his true confidence and pride! He is both appreciative and grateful for his penis and has no plans to adorn it with any ink (tattoo)! At least, not in the immediate future!

Tattoo #3: Bad Ass

The above tattoo probably needs no further explanation as to exactly what the owner is meaning. Looking closely, the anatomical region of the tattoo is obvious. But that does pose a question: Is the owner seeking a “bad ass” or is the tattoo a means of the owner proclaiming himself a “bad ass?”

Tattoo #4: Lust/Love

Ron Derrick Johnson and his tattoos!

Announcing to all his dedication to his personal as well as professional quest for both his same gender loving (SGL) and his clothes freedom status, openly bisexual Ron Derrick Johnson of the SGL adult film industry boldly has two tattoos inked on the front of his body: lust and eros (Greek: love). For Ron, “lust” is his search for both affection and attention. “Eros” is the name of the ancient Greek god of love and sexual desire.

Ron Derrick Johnson: nakedness!

Ron Derrick Johnson is indeed fortunate that his appearance, physique, and his tattoos compliment his message! No confusion or miscommunication concerns here! A man of international pleasure and repute, he has “eros” (love) written in Greek on his abdomen!

Tattoo #5: Faith

Kory Mitchell: frontal tattoos!

SGL film industry star, Kory Mitchell, also known early in his career as Kory Kong, is widely recognized as an advocate within the industry for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention and for his strong Christian faith. He has a cross inked on his front torso (just below his left nipple) to remind his fans of his faith.

Kory Mitchell: neck and shoulder tattoos!

As a reminder to his fans of his strong religious devotion, Kory has “blessed” mounted upon his shoulder. To emphasize his HIV+ status and his commitment to HIV/AIDS education and prevention, he has “hope” inked on his neck with a red awareness ribbon featured as the letter “o.” Excellent educational and inspirational tools!

Body Painting!

Body Painting

Body painting decorates our “natural” canvas – our bare skin! As bare practitioners, this option is one that many of us consider as a normal aspect of our existence within our community and culture! It is also used to visually deliver a message, usually one related to our nakedness!

In the above image, a City of London World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR) participant proudly displays his adherence to the WNBR protocol as well as his identity as a bold and confident member of the GLBTQ+ community with his Progress Rainbow flag painted on his chest!

Above, his body painted message is plain and the meaning is obvious. All that needs to be done is comply and both will be content and happy! “Kiss Me! I’m Naked!” His service to bring joy into all the world!

Body painting their political messages across their chests and torsos are how these young men promote their causes they feel worth all their efforts. In their eyes and minds, their nakedness enhances the statements.

“I love you!” the American Sign Language manual signed communication!

The image above not only has the subject’s body painted in the colourful hands featuring that sentiment, but it also has his left hand creating the statement. In American Sign Language (ASL), signs are made using whichever hand the person is most comfortable, left or right.

Body painted wildlife!

Some body painting is both creative, imaginative and original in adorning the anatomy capturing the attention and the eyes of the observer!

Conclusive Summary:

The outline for this post entry here today was to present the bare celebrity role models and their infamous tattoos only. Those alone are sufficient evidence of the self-image of the inked performer, and the vitality of the concepts of SGL and nakedness have in their lives and in their livelihoods (profession).

Aaron, my spouse, conceived and developed the idea of adding the body painting segment. His justification being that the creativity in the art and messaging warranted their inclusion. Also, the colourful body paint offered a contrast to the monotony of the tattoo ink!

And finally, proof that we haven’t totally forgotten the occasion, all the best wishes for a happy and safe “heart day” to each of you! Enjoy the creation of the late gay artist, Keith Haring!

Happy St. Valentine’s Day, 2026!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, February 16, 2026, and the proposed topic is: “SGL + SNL = Soul!”

Anticipation: Our Return!

“Anticipation: preparation selfie-time!”

Author’s Notification:

Of course, we all know that there are no public transportation airlines that will permit us to fly clothes free! There may be some private flights that allow clothes freedom, however, the price for that service is not something that my spouse, Aaron, and I are willing to pay. So, we’ll just continue to dream of that possibility! And until that dream becomes real, we have no choice except fly textile!

Actually, our flight back to the USA is scheduled for Thursday, 20 November. I needed a post for Friday, so I published this date instead. I didn’t want to offer more confusion than necessary! Aaron, my spouse, has a training seminar he is offering at his hospital on Sunday and Monday. Afterwards, we depart for a brief visit to his parents in Toronto. They were both very supportive with mother during their stay with our family and we both feel the need to visit them in appreciation!

The weather seriously impacts our travel north into Canada during the winter. Besides, his parents own a home near Tampa, Florida, and they enjoy their winter days there with relief from the frigid cold! Their hesitation in an invitation to come and stay with them while they’re there? They know of our dislike of anything cold and they fear we just may move in with them! LOL!

The publication dates for next week are Tuesday, 25 November for the USA: Thanksgiving! post entry and Sunday, 30 November for the monthly Bottoms-Up! November, 2025! posting. The annual World AIDS Day post entry publishes on World AIDS Day, 1 December.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Tuesday, November 25, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “USA: Thanksgiving Day!”

Patience, Tolerance and Understanding!

Memories and prayer!

My father died mid-day (11:48 a.m.) on Saturday, 10 November 2018. All of us considerably miss and mourn him, especially our mother. This year, on the anniversary of his death, our family’s church is conducting a community Memorial Service as a tribute to his life.

Mother has requested Alex (my identical twin) and I to be present along with all our family and the local population. Alex and I depart later this same day for our return to Greece. My university has officially sanctioned my instructional absence. Aaron, my spouse, and his parents leave the later part of the week to join with us.

She has also scheduled some time for my seven (7) brothers and I to decide and determine some familial issues that will have to be addressed and resolved eventually. Her preference is to be an active participant in these matters. My siblings and I agree to honour her wishes.

At this time, I assure everyone that mother’s health is fine, at least physically. Emotionally and mentally, she mourns for our father. I accept, respect and understand her reality.

I have composed and submitted a number of post entries for publication here on ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! during our absence.

I ask for your patience, tolerance and understanding as Aaron and I respect my mother and offer our tribute to my father’s memory.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, November 7, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Bare Celebrities #2!”

USA: GLBTQ+ History Month, 2025!

In the USA, the month of October, annually, is observed as Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer + History Month!

Knowing our past enables our understanding of our present and empowers us to prepare for our future!

As a segment of the population that has been banned, blamed, discriminated, maligned, marginalized, punished and segregated, it is vitally important that we are all made aware of the major, notable, significant and vital contributions we have given throughout centuries of oppression and persecution. If we don’t celebrate and commemorate our achievements and advancements, who will?

Introduction:

Mentally, the phrase “gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ history month” (GLBTQ+ history month) produces an image that mistakenly projects the beginning of our GLBTQ+ community and culture as 1969. The year of the Stonewall Inn riots (SIR) in New York City, New York, USA.

Actually, historically and honestly, the story of our community and culture extends far back in time. Many persons believe that Adam and Eve were the first two human persons to inhabit the Earth. Obviously, they were a heterosexual couple. The GLBTQ+ story begins shortly thereafter and continues to unfold today.

In reality and in truth, the history of our GLBTQ+ community and culture begins with our global humanity experience, wherever we reside. It progresses along national boundaries once a political entity (nation) was created.

Original Pride flag!

Countries Honouring GLBTQ+ History:

Armenia October, annually

Australia October, annually

Canada October, annually

Cuba May, annually

Germany May, annually

Hungary February, annually

Netherlands, October, annually

Roumania, October, annually

United Kingdom February, annually

United States October, annually

International Progress GLBTQ+ Pride Flag

USA GLBTQ+ History Month:

The USA observance of GLBTQ+ History Month began in 1994 by a state of Missouri secondary school (high school) history teacher, Rodney Wilson. His intent was to provide role models for teenage youth, build community identity and to offer a civil rights statement of the achievements and efforts of the same gender loving (SGL) community and culture.

A GLBTQ+ History Month website was created, designed and launched by Equality Forum in 2006. In reference, click the link below:

GLBTQ+ History Month

The above website is designed and maintained by Equality Forum. The site features 31 honoured recipients (one for every day of the month of October) for every year since 2006, arranged chronologically.

Notation:

Equality Forum is a USA national GLBTQ+ civil rights organization with an educational focus. It coordinates GLBTQ+ history month, produces documentary films, sponsors high-impact social initiatives and offers an annual GLBTQ+ civil rights conference. Click the logo below to visit the site.

2025 GLBTQ+ Honours:

October 1: Peter Anastos choreographer

October 2: Walter Arlen composer

October 3: Becca Balint congressperson

October 4: Samuel Barber 20th century composer

October 5: Andy Cohen television personality and producer

October 6: John D’Emilio GLBTQ+ historian

October 7: Colman Domingo actor and playwright

October 8: Billie Eilish indie musician

October 9: Cecilia Gentili transgender activist

October 10: Jeffrey Gibson indigenous artist and sculptor

October 11: Nikki Giovanni author and poet

October 12: Lily Gladstone indigenous actor

October 13: Mel Heifetz philanthropist

October 14: Sir Lady Java drag performer

October 15: Ella Jenkins children’s music

October 16: Abilly Jones-Hennin GLBTQ+ activist

October 17: Ellsworth Kelly abstract artist

October 18: Karl Lagerfeld fashion designer

October 19: Troy Masters publisher

October 20: Sarah McBride first transgender congressperson

October 21: T. J. Osborne country rock musician

October 22: Ted Osius diplomat

October 23: Ann Philbin museum director

October 24: Chappell Roan pop musician

October 25: Harper Steele comedian and screenwriter

October 26: Breanna Stewart WNBA player

October 27: Arthur Tress fine art photographer

October 28: Cy Twambly painter and sculptor

October 29: Ocean Vuong author and poet

October 30: Abby Wambach women’s soccer

October 31: Lanford Wilson pulitzer-winning playwright

Prehistoric GLBTQ+ human!

The picture (above) is a contemporary impersonation of the rustic and vintage GLBTQ+ heritage. It is an interpretive, not an accurate, portrayal. Itis posted here for illustrative purposes only.

Enjoy GLBTQ+ History Month!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, October 3, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Historic Visibility: Early Photos!”

Please Meet!

Yorgos self portrait!

YORGOS KC

He’s an exemplary and talented artist and author of his blog/site here: Yorgos KC. I’m currently making his acquaintance and am remarkably impressed with his efforts that are aptly available to all,

Yorgos KC

Please click the above link for your grand tour of all the treasures available there. In exploring and researching my current Bare/Dare Series, 2025!, one of his recent postings, The Discomfort of Being Real, is an honest and in-depth observation of the challenges and myths of nakedness in our world and our right of self-determination. Click on the title to link directly to this awesome post! We’re both of the same mindset in being bare and our same gender love!

Yorgos is not only an accomplished artist as the above image conveys, he’s also doubly gifted as a writer of both fiction as well as issues that we face during the course of our lives. His site contains many of his works and books that relate to both fantasy and reality. A multitalented mastermind who’s sharing his literary and visual gifts to us all!

Yorgos KC wordpress gravatar

The above gravatar (imprint) represents Yorgos KC and appears with his works, both artistic and literary here on wordpress. This seal contains an art rendering of his face as well as a bunny (lower right corner) with a rainbow heart! A proud member of our gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer+ (GLBTQ+) community and culture!

I highly recommend his blog to all bare practitioners and their friends! His art alone celebrates our body and clothes freedom through colourful imagery and also our same gender love and the beauty and tranquility it affords us in the frantic chaos of life. His compositions extol equality and fairness in contrast to the harsh realities that confront us. There’s something presented there that pertains to us all!

A fellow Greek cohort, Yorgos hails from Thessaloniki, Greece. I urge everyone to investigate his offering and endorse following his site as a way of communicating and sharing our nakedness and our same gender love (SGL) sexuality.

Please unite with Aaron, my spouse, and I as we embrace with a naked hug in welcoming Yorgos KC into both our bare practitioner community and culture! Our shared dedication to body and clothes freedom and our sexuality joins us all together!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, September 8, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “September Routine!”

Bare*Ability!

Same gender bromance!

Bare Practitioner: same gender loving and embracing nakedness as both community and culture. An enthusiastic advocate of the right to love and of body and clothes freedom.

Body and clothes freedom!

Naked is defined as without clothing on the body. Without addition, concealment, disguise or embellishment. Nude.

Nude is defined as without clothing or naked. The condition of being unclothed.

Introduction:

Mutual body and clothes freedom!

Bare! Body! Clothes free! Naked! Natural! Naturist! Nude! Nudity! Nudist! All of these terms/words refer to the fact that we are uncovered (without clothing)! We are completely visible without even a single thread concealing any part of our natural body. Identical to the state of our birth. Not a single one of us were born wearing anything! Hallelujah!

Yours truly at a local park in Arlington, Virginia, USA!

My name is Roger Peterson-Poladopoulos. As many of you already know, I am the co-author and the creator of this site: ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers! I am a same gender loving (SGL) man – gay – Deaf and of direct Greek heritage (both of my parents were born in the Kingdom of Greece).

Aaron, my spouse!

This is Aaron M. Peterson-Poladopoulos, my spouse. He is also the co-author and photographer of this site. Obviously, he is also SGL and is of African-Canadian descent. Aaron’s family is of the Yoruba ethnic tribe from the city of Ibadan, located in western Nigeria. Both Canada and Nigeria are Commonwealth entities. We have been legally married since 2015, a year after marriage equality was officially adopted here in the USA, our country of residence.

The both of us are confidently and proudly bare practitioners (SGL and naturist/nudist). We wear clothes when necessary but both of us prefer being without any garment whatsoever! As enthusiastic bare practitioner advocates, we are equally responsible for the theme of today’s post entry here.

Honest and simple advice!

We sincerely encourage all of you here today to join with us in nakedness and pride whenever possible!

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Bare Practitioners:

Bare practitioners!

As an integral component grouping of the gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and queer+ community and culture, bare practitioners often encounter awkward and discomforting situations not only because of our SGL status, but also due to our textile (clothing) – or our lack thereof. We are neither forcing nor intimidating anyone into our body and clothes freedom world, instead we are celebrating the enablement to just be ourselves: SGL and nakedness!

Progress Pride Flag body painted on himself!

Our man in the above photograph is very confident and proud of his bare practitioner identity. He has our SGL Progress Pride rainbow flag body painted on his nakedness while he’s participating in the London, UK, World Naked Bike Ride (WNBR)! His smile demonstrates his comfort and joy in being honest and open about his body freedom and his sexuality! Both Aaron and I salute his brotherhood, reality and sincerity! Take care and stay bare, our friend!

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Our Confidence Is Evident:

Bare under the bridge!

Our man in this series of pictures here is not only proud of his sexuality, he’s also assured and bold in sharing publicly his bare practitioner affiliation!

Submerged bare practitioner pride!

He combines his SGL nature and his body and clothes freedom preference and skinny dips (swims naked) without a care in the world!

His rainbow pride colours raised high!

He confidently flaunts both his bare body and his sexuality while posing and promoting his message: “I am my own man without guilt and/or shame!”

Bottoms-up! near the underwater bottom!

A philosophy that many of us who are bare practitioners endorse and proclaim wholeheartedly!

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Confidence and Pride!

Compatibility!

Being a bare practitioner isn’t an obligation to publicly reveal one’s personal character and identity. Each person determines their own comfort level in presenting themselves to others. The majority of us, bare practitioners or otherwise, are more amenable to others who we perceive as most like us and similar to ourselves. This is a human instinct that most of us believe, feel, nurture and share among ourselves.

Our bare practitioner affinity and appreciation aren’t based on or defined solely by our willingness to allow others to interpret or judge our nakedness and/or our sexuality. Our being what and who we are is determined completely by our private discretion, personal emotional capacity, and self-acceptance. If we need to confide in another, it is our choice, and we need to engage in the dialogue when we are comfortable. Otherwise, we await on our respective decision to proceed.

For everyone!

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Poetic Justice:

An important message inked on his genital area!

Reign is the stage name of our bare practitioner brother welcoming us here. Just above his pubic hairline, he has “unashamed” tattooed on his skin. His meaning is obviously visible for all. There is no embarrassment, guilt or shame associated with either his nakedness and/or his sexuality!

He prefers nakedness over clothing and has no issue in publicly endorsing both body and clothes freedom and his exclusive same gender loving sexuality. Reign is a very honest and open man who lives his life being himself and “unashamed!”

My Naked Life

by Roger Poladopoulos

I am naked and I am me.

I am the man the man I want to be.

When I am naked, I am nude,

Living life with a positive attitude.

I am naked and I am me.

I am the man I want to be.

When I am nude, I am also proud,

Whether alone or among a crowd.

I am naked and I am me.

I am the man I want to be.

When I am nude, I am living free,

I know that clothes are not for me.

I am naked and I am me.

I am the man I want to be.

When I am nude, I clear my mind,

Gone are the clothes that hide and bind.

I am naked and I am me.

I am the man I want to be.

The End. Composed on 5 July, 2011 at a clothes free beach.

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Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers!

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, June 9, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Swinging It All: Bat and Buttocks!”

Great and Holy Easter, 2025!

Lighting candles!

The Feasts of Great and Holy Easter in the Orthodox Churches and Western Easter in the Protestant Churches are observed simultaneously on Sunday, 20 April, 2025.

Kala Pascha!

Happy Easter!

The joint celebration of the Easter Holy Day is not a regular event as the churches all follow different calendars. Easter is a moveable feast day – always celebrated on Sunday however, it changes dates annually. There is no designated date for the observance of the Easter feast.

Aaron, my spouse, is Roman Catholic. I am Greek Orthodox. Our Easter celebrations are usually on different dates. Unfortunately, this year, we have only one single Easter observance. A reduction by half of all our Easter treats!

The Epitaphios: the tomb of Jesus in the Greek Orthodox Church!

Throughout Greece, in the larger cities and ports, the Army, Navy and Air Corps provide the bearers of the Epitaphios to churches. The state church is legally allowed to demand this duty from local military personnel. The only time such a request may be denied is during time of war. I imagine the military attendance is representative of the Roman guards lining the route of Jesus as he carried himself and his cross to the scene of the Crucifixion.

The Easter Ikons!

The ikon is a representation (mural, mosaic or a painting on wood) depicting sacred events or a sacred individual (Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary or a saint). It is used as an object of veneration and prayer or as a visible tool of instruction. In western churches, statues are used. Ikons are found predominately in Orthodox Churches. For the Orthodox people, ikons remind us of our duties and obligations.

The ikon of the Crucifixion of Jesus!

At the noon hour on Great Friday (Good Friday in the Western Church) – which happens to be today, – the ikon of the Crucifixion is placed inside the Epitaphios (Tomb) and carried around the church a total of three (3) times. The Ikon rests inside the Epitaphios until the hour of midnight on Great Saturday. It is then replaced with the Ikon of the Resurrection of Jesus and then encircles the Church three times for the jubilation and veneration of the peoples. Easter is the Feast of the Resurrection!

The Ikon of the Resurrection!

For the Eastern Orthodox faithful (Greek, Russian, Bulgarian, Roumanian, Armenian, Syrian, Coptic, Ethiopian, Palestinian, Serbian, etc.), Easter is the paramount feast of the liturgical (church) year. My paternal papou (grandfather) always noted that in Greece, even the communists were in church on Easter Sunday!

Flowers and “Happy Easter” (Greek)!

Easter Eggs!

In Greece and throughout much of the Eastern Orthodox Church world, egg dying is very popular and involved. In our culture, all eggs are dyed red – the colour that represents both rebirth and renewal. Red is also symbolic for the blood of Christ which was shed during the Crucifixion. The elaborate decorations of eggs used in Russia and the Ukraine are not popular with the remainder of the Orthodox communities.

There are many contests and games utilized with the red eggs and related to the Easter holy day. The four weeks prior to the arrival of Easter is known as the Great Lent, a period of fasting and prayer, during which the consumption of eggs is restricted. It is customary to eat all of the festive eggs prior to the arrival of Easter Monday.

There are numerous ways of dying eggs for Easter. The majority of dying is done within the individual homes and households. Commercially, for large groups, dyed eggs can be purchased in advance. There are dyes available for families to shop. My mother recalls using a very traditional method of dying. They would peel the skins off of red onions and boil the skins mixed with some olive oil and vinegar. We dyed eggs this way growing up, the colour was not as bright as the manufactured dyes but a hard-boiled egg tastes the same, regardless of how it is dyed!

Commercially dyed Easter eggs!

Bare Practitioners!

For those of us who are committed and devoted bare practitioners, our observance of the Easter holiday includes the colourful decorating of our bodies in addition to eggs. Using various varieties of body paint, we are not restricted to simply using the red option.

Body painted adornment!

In celebrating the holiday, many decide to have their buttocks painted to resemble the eggs decorated for the occasion. This process also involves the cooperation of friends and talented (artistic) acquaintances in creating festive images. The most popular anatomical “canvas” (object painted) of course are the buttocks! For many, they do resemble an egg!

Detailed expression!

Some of the hand painted eggs are very awesome and intricate in the creativity and design employed. We can only wonder what is awarded to the first place winners and their artists! Imagine the crowds in line if the buttocks were displayed live in a museum!

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Tsoureki!

“Tsoureki” – Easter bread!

The Easter Bread – a sweetened and renowned baked treat that is a significant tradition of Greek Easter – is baked in the home according to family recipes, passed from generation-to-generation. I have my paternal yiayia (grandmother) recipe. My culinary skills are practically nonexistent so in our home, Aaron prepares our bread, and it is praised by all who eat it. My copy of the recipe was made in my own handwriting when I spent Easter with yiayia and step-by-step we made a total of nine loaves.

Yiayia’s recipe was her very own version of the one given to her by her mother. These recipes are guarded as family treasures and as a rule not shared with others. Frequently, each family has a slight variation in the traditional recipe due to the individual cooks.

The preparation of the bread takes between 18-24 hours and yiayia never used an alarm to remind her of the time. The preparation, after adding all the ingredients, involves allowing the dough to sit for eight hours to rise before punching down, then repeating the same process again before the final rise of six hours, another punch down time and then baking. She loved making this treat and everyone loved devouring her finished product! Aaron enjoys mixing and baking the tsoureki just as much as yiayia did!

Although Aaron never met her, his following her recipe brings back many special memories!

Happy Easter to all!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride: Guys Without Boxers

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Monday, April 21, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “April Environment!”

“` `Opa, Greece!

Greeks, natural and proud!

Today is the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Virgin Mary, Mother of God)! This is the date selected for the uprising against the Ottoman Empire that culminated with freedom for the Kingdom of Greece!

Bishop Germanos raised the flag of revolt over the Monasery of Agia (Saint) Lavra on Pelopannesa on this date, March 25, 1821.

Come and join us! Bare, of course!
Royal Guard (Ivzoni) raising the national flag!
Greece!
The flag’s symbolism!

`Opa= Greek expression for excitement, salutation, joy, surprise, greeting, and impressive!

A contemporary man posing as an ancient Greek warrior!

One popular and eternal, longstanding myth is that the ancient Greek army fought battles while totally naked. Even though the culture was very accepting and embraced public nakedness and same gender affection, especially for men, the army always wore at the very least a loincloth.

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, March 28, 2025, and the proposed topic is: “Commando? None For Me!”

Familiar Comfort!

Getting in the relaxation mode!

Background:

On the flight to Mama’s this past Friday, my spouse, Aaron, and I collaborated on composing this posting for today. The intent was to share for everyone a tiny aspect of our life together within the setting of my immediate family. Enjoy! Your comments and thoughts are always welcome!

The flight home to Skyros in Greece ended without Aaron and I getting arrested and/or escorted off our flight for what some refer to as “indecent exposure!” Upon the arrival, one of my brothers met us at the terminal and delivered us both, fully clothed, to my mother’s home. We both waited until after my siblings and their families left for their homes before we retired to our bedroom (while there) and restored the comfort of our nakedness!

While we were growing up, all of my brothers learned of my identical twin, Alex, and our preference for body and clothes freedom. Whenever we were in our shared bedroom, we were always nude or else in the process of becoming naked! Our mother was the only woman in our household; all brothers and my father so our being nude was never an issue as long as we wore clothing whenever we were outside our bedroom!

Comfort restored!

Concerning my immediate family (Mama and all my brothers and their families) Twin (Alex) and I and our preference for nakedness isn’t the “hot” topic of conversations and jokes anymore. Since first meeting Aaron (before our marriage), the subject of our naked life hasn’t been the centre of discussion that it once held. Life moves on and the focus is now more progressive and involved than it was “back-in-the-day.” They are all aware of our efforts here with ReNude Pride and what, if any, interest remains with our participation in body and clothes freedom concerns generally is nothing more than a casual thought.

Aaron and I have an assigned set of rooms at my parent’s home. The house was originally built for my paternal grandfather and consists of a bedroom and bathroom with a shared sitting room across the hallway from used by Alex and his partner, Dante. There is privacy in this part of the family home that Mama respects. If Alex and Dante are there when we are, our comfort for nudity isn’t an automatic “family” matter. This arrangement provides us twins with the comfortable and familiar environment of “home” even if we have two continents and the Atlantic Ocean between our actual dwellings and Mama’s house. Not a bad setting for the identical twin “middle children” (three older brothers, ourselves, and then three younger brothers!

Towering together!

Addendum:

Like most of the Northern Hemisphere, Skyros, Greece, is usually ideal for skinny-dipping (swimming naked) during the month of August. This year, thus far, is not a disappointment! This is a short notation to remind everyone here that August, 2024, is more than half over! Strip and go skinny-dip now before the summer is gone!

A Mediterranean skinny-dip!

Aaron and I are both avid fans of skinny-dipping! No surprise there! The fact that Skyros is one of the Greek islands and the Mediterranean Sea borders along a part of Mama’s property adds a special bonus to visiting my ancestral home. We’re both grateful for the opportunity to bare practice (experience nakedness) in these historic waters where countless others have done the same for centuries before our time!

Aaron sunbathing after a skinny-dip!

Our eight days here with Mama are passing too fast for us to remember where we’ve put everything! Best wishes for a happy week!

Naked hugs!

Roger Poladopoulos/ReNude Pride

Author’s Note: The next post entry here is planned for Friday, August 23, 2024, and the proposed topic is: “Notoriously Naked!”