Vasiliki Ralli tells the story of her family, which was violently forced to leave their homeland, the island of Moschonisi in Asia Minor, and after enduring the sorrow of loss and the mourning of destruction, they dedicated themselves with creative energy to building a new life on the opposite shore.

Vasiliki Ralli proclaims her heritage at every small or great opportunity in her life: “So what if I was born in Thermis of Lesbos? I am from Asia Minor too. I am the seed that was conceived in the hallowed soil of this Promised Land, watered with Greek sweat and blood, sprinkled with the sacred bones of thousands of martyrs, which were laid to rest in the holy land, as a testament to its Hellenism.”

Vasiliki Ralli's testimony begins in Moschonisi and Ayvalik and embraces all of Hellenism. Especially today, more than ever, the value of such testimonies is invaluable, as they nourish our souls with faith and determination.

The author became widely known when she and her late husband, Angelos Ralli, discovered the bones of Saint Raphael in their estate in Thermis, Mytilene, while digging to build a small church, to fulfill her mother's vow. The chronicle of this revelation has been narrated by her in her book “Karies, the Hill of Saints.”

Author: Vasiliki Ralli

Editorial Supervision: Angeliki Ralli, Xenia Koukia

Research: Kostas Kaounas

Transcription of Manuscript: Giorgos Koutalas

Photographic Material: Archive of A. Ralli

Design-Artistic Supervision: Floretta Mandilara

Photo Editing: Colornetwork

Printing: Panos Davia