We'd love to hear from you! We might use your comments on our web site or in our printed materials.

If you have a customer service question, please email @ portara.com

• Story by Rania Pontikos, Pittsburgh, PA, April 23, 2009

  Geia sou Eleni, It was wonderful talking to you today. I have emailed you the shutterfly website created by my Koumbaroi. Please let me know if you can view the photos. I just wanted to express how grateful I am for your beautiful work in handling the entire baptism of my two special goddaughters on March 14, 2009. You run a very professional business and your attention to detail was admired by everyone - particularly by the twins' mother. From the shoes to the dresses, lathopana, holy oil bottle with the icon, martirika on the satin pillow to the gorgeous candles and keepsake chest that you custom decorated...were all stunningly beautiful. You made the baptism a truly memorable and cherished event in New York. I appreciate your efforts in putting everything together as you relieved my concerns as an "out of town godmother." Thank you again.

• Story by M. Patrakoulakis, England, United Kingdom, April 2009

  Hi ....Just to let you know my order has JUST arrived.I wish to thank you VERY VERY MUCH. We are over the moon with it all. Thank you for my gift and your help.My grand daughter Sofia will have a fantastic christening thanks to you and your company. Once again a thousand thank yous. Wyn.

• Story by Mary Kekllas

  Dear Helen - I just noticed this page on your website. I want to tell everyone how wonderful your store is and how helpful and talented you are. All the items you suggested for my daughters baptism were perfect. You helped make my daughters day special. We also love all the beautiful dolls and Pasca Candles you create!!! My daughter looks forward to a new one every year. This years choice was especially beautiful. Thank you so much for everything you do! Filakia

• Story by Demetri & Dora Learakos,AL Demetri & Dora Learakos,AL

  Hi Elaine, I wanted to call you yesterday to tell you how lovely everything is and arrived in beautiful condition but I just couldn't find the time. We want to Thank you for the personal attention that you gave us with our order from Portara, and also Thank you very much for the lovely gift, we have already found a place for it. We have 50 people confirmed for our baptism celebration and for the Reception ceremony at the Perdido Beach Resort in the Sand Castle Room following. During the baptism we have Stellios who will be chanting Byzantine hymns, Stellio studied Byzantine chanting for 12 years and is from the Crete. We're having the baptism ceremony videoed by a professional and also a photographer and we're very excited that tomorrow is the big day for Katherine & Alexander. The candle tulle organza skirts are breathtaking, and the outfits fit them perfect. Those baptism outfits are so beautiful I cannot find the right words to describe how happy I was to see them for the first time. Everything that you suggested is perfect and as soon as we get our pictures back we are going to send some to you. We'll continue to visit your web site for future events and for gifts as you have so many lovely things. I've told everyone who called to RSVP about your web site. Efharisto Para Poli,

• Story by sharry kyparissos

  Dear Eleni We received our parcel within one day of shipping. Everything is just beautiful. We were not sure to order these baptism things online but we were wrong. I would do it again for either a wedding, shower or bapism. I will tell everyone I know about Portara Gallery. Thank you again for the gorgeous candles, towels, sheets, undergarments and pins. Sincerely, Sharry

• Story by Kathryn Venturatos Lorio NEW ORLEANS, LA 3/14/08

  We received the baptismal ribbons as you specified. They are beautiful, arrived timely , and we are quite pleased. As we prepare for our daughter's wedding next year, we will keep you in mind for future orders. Please keep us on your mailing list. It is a pleasure dealing with your company. Thank you.

• Story by Despina Hiotis and Jenny Kelepesis

  Eleni EVERYTHING was gorgeous. My sister-in-law and I are so happy we found your website and believe me everyone will hear about you in Baltimore. S'efharistoume gia ola!!!

• Story by Thomas from TN, October 3, 2007

  Dear Elenie, My order arrived today, and with a far lower shipping cost than I had expected. Thank you so very much. I'm very glad I ordered from Portara Gallery. In Christ, Thomas

• Story by ATHENA SKOURTAS

  I HAVE ORDERED FROM PORTARA TWICE FOR BAPTISMS. I'VE PURCHASED GIRLS AND BOYS BAPTISMAL OUTFITS, OIL SET AND TOWELS, MARTYRIKA AND I HAVE TO SAY EVERYTHING HAS BEEN SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL!!!! SURPASSED MY EXPECTATIONS. I'VE ALWAYS BEEN SKEPTICAL ABOUT ORDERING ONLINE WITHOUT SEEING THE PRODUCT IN PERSON, BUT I HONESTLY HAVE TO SAY I'VE NEVER SEEN SUCH BEAUTIFUL AND EXCELLENT QUALITY PRODUCTS. I WILL ALWAYS ORDER FROM PORTARA AND WILL DEFINATELY RECOMMEND TO MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!! THANK YOU!!!

• Story by Pat Orphanos

  The favors for my granson's baptism were just beautiful. I can't thank you enough for your help and it was a pleasure doing business with you. I have made sure that your web address was given to our church secretary so that she can pass your name to anyone who asks for information on reputable companies to deal with. Thank you so much!

• Story by Liz from Great Britain,England,UK, March 13,2007

  Hello Elenie, Our order has arrived earlier than we expected.Thank you for your fantastic service! My friends and colleagues are very impressed with the presentation and want your details for future orders. Thank you for your help, patience and fantastic service. Liz

• Story by Athena from CA, March 2007

  Hi Helen, I Just want to let you know that I received my order today and its perfect! The little boys christening outfit is as beautiful as shown on your website. The bag with the soap, oil and cloth absolutely beautiful as well as the Martyrika!!!. I will definitely refer everyone I know to you. Thank you very much! Athena Skourtas

• Story by Barbara Moyssidis

  Dear Eleni - I had to write and thank you for the excellent service I received. The boubounaires are absolutely gorgeous - and I'm still amazed at how quickly they arrived! Thank you so much, we look forward to doing all our shopping here for future baptisms and weddings!

• Story by Anita from Canada, February 8,2007

  Dear Eleni, Had to send you a short note to thank you ! we received our parcel today and we are very pleased with the Anthony Baptism outfit and all the baptismal accessories and candles. Everything is beautiful we cannot be happier, your fast service and the contact info on when our parcel left and when it would arrive was so appreciated. I will for sure tell all of the community in Halifax about your service and your superior products. You will make our celebration more then perfect and thank you again.

• Story by Ekaterina Salmond

  I wish to thank Elenie SO VERY MUCH for FANTASTIC service. I was worried about ordering items from the US not knowing if they would arrive on time for my daughter's christening in New Zealand. The items arrived within 3 days. I would highly recommend to everyone to use Portara. You will not be disappointed with their service or BEAUTIFUL products. EFXAROSTO POLLY...

• Story by Katey from New Zealand, January 2007

  Hi Elenie, THANK YOU so much for you fast service. My order arrived yesterday (Tues 23). The items are VERY BEAUTIFUL. I'm so very pleased with the baptism items. I can't wait for my daughter's christening now so she can wear them. The Exquisite Baptism Silk Sweater and the White Blossom Undergarments are so beautiful. I can't believe how beautiful they are. I hope to be able to order more things from your in the future. I will let my friends know about your website. Once again THANK YOU. Kinds Regards Katey

• Story by Pat from FL, January 2007

  Hi Elenie, I received the candles and baptismal undergarments today and everything was gorgeous!! The crystals on the candles are fabulous and the undergarments' quality very fine.Thanks you so much for your fast service and nice work.

• Story by Tammy from IL

  We received the order and the matyrika are absolutely beautiful - thank you so much! We greatly appreciate your effort and service. Thanks so much

• Story by Shaylee from AZ

  Elenie, We are very happy with the design of Martirika. We are thrilled with the finished product, and we will recommend your site to anyone who is baptizing a baby. Thank you again for your nice work and fine product!

• Story by Nancy Scardasis

  The crowns arrived safe and sound. They are beautiful. My daughter will be so happy with them. Thank you for shipping them so quickly. Sincerely, Nancy

• Story by Jeanette from CA

  Dear Portara, Thank-you, once again for your speedy response. My Godson to be is a big 10 month old and I had a problem with another company that I placed an order with a few months back and now am sent into rush mode. I thank you for your great attention, response and delivery of the baptismal outfit so quickly.I commend you for your professionalism and high level of customer service. I will refer your website to many on the west coast.

• Story by Marianna California

  I just wanted to let you know that I received the 2 stefanothikia today, both of them are amazingly beautiful. Especially the Queen of Heaven is stunning! I am very happy with them.Thank you very much

• Story by Stephanie Jaghab

  Thank You SOO much for my beautiful baptismal candles!!! I love Them. Exactly how I envisioned them. Thank YOU.Stephanie

• Story by Nikki Kanelos

  I wish to thank you for my order. I ordered the calla lilly lambades for my godchild's wedding and they are beautiful... I was a bit worried about getting them in las vegas safely without melting in the 108 degree weather we are having, but they came just fine!!! I found your company by chance and I am very happy I did!! You truly have outstanding products and we will definetly use your company again in the future. EFXARISTO POLLY!!

• Story by S Kosaris

  I received my baptism order today...everything is beautiful, and I'm very happy with the whole package...the lampades, martyrika, ladopana...very nice! Thanks so much for your help...I will keep you in mind for the next baptism!

• Story by Pam Bakopoulos

  Many thanks to you and your staff for the wonderful items I ordered. The baptism was this past Saturday here in the Poconos. Many people were from New York and I was sure to tell them where I ordered from. Everyone was very impressed with the undergarments, ladopana, pins and candles, especially the baby's mother who was terribly nervous. I'll be sure to send a picture when they are ready. I have given your website and address to several people and I wish you much success. If you ever need a referral please feel free to call me or use this note.

• Story by C Galanis, MD

  Hi Eleni, Thank you for the gift blanket- it is very kind of you. Just wanted to let you know that the baptism went very well yesterday and you have no idea how many compliments I received on all the items I got from your store.The icons that I thought I had too many of were all gone and I was only left with 2 for myself and my family- they were quite the sensation! Thanks again for everything, Chrisoula

• Story by C Galanis, MD

  I wouldn't feel right if I didn't tell you how pleased I am with the lampades and the boubounieres. The lampades are truly lovely, and came out better than I envisioned. The icons even look better than they do on the website and everyone I have shown them to agrees.Overall, I am very happy with everything and you did a really nice job.

• Story by Rena Villegas

  The christening outfit that I purchased for my soon to be godson is stunning. I've checked out dozens of web sites over the past month, and I did not find anything that comes close in beauty and quality to the suit. I am so proud to give him such a beautiful outfit. Thank you.

• Story by june easbey

  This is our second wedding in a year! We ordered the second set of crowns and they are even more beautiful this time...the Royal Wedding Crowns are stunning and look so beautiful in the Heirloom Collection oval case - both crowns are visible through the glass...it is perfect! Thanks for your suggestions and also for the silver icon in the case! June E. Santa Barbara, CA...St. Athanasius Orthodox Church

• Story by Brooke Taylor

  My family and I are joining the Greek church, and I was so over whelmed and nervous and wanted eveything to be perfect for my family's big day. I searched fo weeks until I found the Portara Gallery. Once I found what I wanted the Portara representative was very kind and helpful through the whole process. I just recieved the witness ribbons and they are more beautiful then you could imagine or then the pictures are. It is true quality and it brings tears to my eyes knowing that this day will be first class. Portara has a new customer for life. We have a wedding in June and we will definatly be back to buy more things. Thank you Portara Gallery and staff for everything.

• Story by Sophia from MA

  I received my stefana yesterday and I love them!! Thank you very much for all your help and your great response. The stefana are truly special! Best Wishes, Sophia

• Story by Miller Bill

  Wishing Portara Gallery a Merry, Merry Christmas and may you have a healthy, happy and prosperous 2006! Many thanks and much appreciation for the great service, professionalism, timely responses and true old time business spirit! We look forward to continuing to enjoy our shopping with you in the New Year!

• Story by Helen from Michigan

  I received the lambades and they are just beautiful and elegant. You really did a wonderful job. You also had them packed very nicely and they arrived in very good condition. Many thanks for helping to make our upcoming event so special. Helen

• Story by Angela Rokas

  I ordered some baptism pins for our God daughter's baptism and when they arrived I was so excited. They looked perfect and we got so many compliments. A representative even called me after I placed the order online to confirm my choices. It was so easy and I highly recommend this site. The quality is above what I expected. I can't say enough good things, and I am always recommending Portara to anyone that asks where to get good quatlity, beautiful baptism supplies. They will impress you. So many things to worry about when you're planning parties, but this is one area you won't have to be concerned about. You'll be glad you ordered. Don't even bother trusting anybody else with your important day.

• Story by Krisztina Florida

  Thank you so much for all that you did to ensure the beauty and preciseness of our order. The completed white Capodimonte rose buds for our daughter's July 3rd Baptism were absolutely gorgeous! Thanks again! Sincerely, Krisztina

• Story by Frosene Texas

  The martyrika ribbons were delivered quickly and they are beautiful!! (MA 115). Thank-you so much for your patience with me for being undecided about the extra ribbons. Your determination and time spent on the phone getting my order correct really paid off for another satisfied and grateful customer. I hope I will be able to do business with you in the future! Take care and have a prosperous summer!

• Story by Anna Canada

  Ta stefana eine panemorfa! Absolutely stunning. They all came safe and sound and I am thrilled.THANK YOU thank you, s'efharistoume.

• Story by John Skaris

  Hello, thank you very very much for the Christening pins... They were albsolutely fantastic.......perfect.The picture martirika made the day.

• Story by christina varkas

  i have a question, i received the beautiful four season dolls as a wedding present. i would like to know if there is a proper way to display them. besides their beauty, they are enchanting and my guess is there is more to these dolls than their looks. do they bring balance, peace, or any other benefit according to their mythology? thank you in advance

• Story by galatsi80@aol.com

  The Vaftistika items arrived home on Wednesday night and they are absolutely beautiful! Oh boy, you really outdid yourself and they look phenomenal! I absolutely love them: martirika, lambades and bombonierres -- the designs are truly gorgeous and they all coordinate so well! BRAVO SOU!

• Story by Evretheke Chor

  I received the Baptismal pins and they are perfect. I also got the favors they are beyond words. I am so pleased with everything. Now I cant wait to receive the Holy bottle and underpant set

• Story by Helen (Charalambous) Hall

  The Martirika and bonbonieres (favours) for our son's baptism were wonderful! Thank-you so much for doing such a great job. I am so happy to have found your website and have already recommended it to friends. We received our order very promptly and well packed. Thanks again - everything was perfect!

• Story by H.Collier

  I received my package and was delighted with your service. I will recommend your company to anyone who is in need. Wonderful!!! Thanks Again

• Story by Lynette

  Thank you very much!The satin tulle from Italy is just beautiful, and since this is my first time organizing a shower, especially for my daughter, detail is important. Your material and professionalism is outstanding, and you will be highly recommended. Thank you for calming me down, I was just so anxious about all of this!!! I hope to have a long relationship with you and your company in the future. Thank you again, for your time and most of all, for your understanding. I will be very proud to "show-off" all of the quality merchandise you have sent to me. Take care. Best regards, Lynette

• Story by Marikastoll@aol.com

  thank you so much!!! i will be sure to tell my family and friends about your business. Its hard to find customer service anywhere thats as good as you've been! Thank you again. marika

• Story by KOSTARIDES_HELEN@Lilly.com

  Helen, the pink beauty baptismal candle arrived safely yesterday afternoon and IT IS BEAUTIFUL!!! Thank you so much! I will be using your services again in the future!

• Story by ahseevers@comcast.net

  Thank you so much for getting us the baptismal pins so quickly! They look great! We are very pleased with them and looking forward to handing them out to our family and friends. We will definitely pass your name along to others. Thank you again

• Story by abalourisgrover@babson.edu

  Thanks for everything. The candles and martirika are the most beautiful that I have ever seen. How lucky our little Nicholas is to have such beautiful things from his nouna Kathy and nouno Chris.

• Story by balouris@comcast.net

  Thank you so much for your prompt service w/ the matirika, the baptism candles and the icons. Athena says they are the most beautiful candles and matirika she has ever seen. We can't wait to see them! And, we received the icons in Pittsburgh, and they are so unique and beautiful.

• Story by Georgia Bulko

  Helen, Thank you! Thank you! The baptismal ceremony candle and the martirika were perfect. Placing a custom order was so easy. You simply made the changes I requested to existing merchandise. The end result was better than I imagined.

• Story by Lisa Georgalis

  Helen, I received the Amalia costume in the mail about an hour ago. It arrived in Dallas, TX in less than 24 hours from when I ordered it!! The costume is really beautiful. My daughter and I are so pleased. I'll be calling again soon to order for my son, youngest daughter, and to buy costumes as gifts for all 3 of our Godchildren. I think they will make lovely gifts!! I will share your website with my friends and family.Thank you again, Lisa in Dallas

• Story by eleni georgiou

  I'v searched the entire Astoria for centerpeices and I had no luck, and the one's I liked where over priced. Then i decided to look in the internet, and I got exited because i came across your web site which had many things that i liked. I already told many people about your store. Even though i didnt get my center peices yet i feel very confident that they will look beautiful. thank y ou again, and i look forward in doing business with u again.

• Story by Elliott Harmon

  Dear Helen, I had to tell you how beautiful your new web site is.... fast, well organized and full of great, but hard-to-find gifts and art. And the touch of history is appreciated and enables me to better relate the history to those who view my Portara Art at my home. And on top of all of that I received prompt and very courteous service from you both times I ordered. It really is a pleasure to 'visit' your site, thanks to your superb shopping experience and customer service-- I'm spreading the word! Sincerely, Eliott, Malibu California

• Story by Michelle51779@aol.com

  I have to tell you the Greek mythology doll, Ariadne, is so beautiful and unique. My husband and I are so happy we purchased it, and cannot wait to show our family and friends. The grapes, the vines, the wine jug, everything about it is just perfect. She was worth every penny, and we would definitely recommend your store to anyone. Thank you, Michelle and Jim

• Story by MCCANNCP@ADELPHIA.NET

  DEAR HELEN, THE BAPTISMAL RIBBONS WERE A BIG HIT. MANY COMPLIMENTS WERE GIVEN ON HOW THEY WERE BEAUTIFULLY MADE, AND WHAT A WONDERFUL REMEMBERANCE OF THIS JOYOUS BAPTISM. MANY PEOPLE AT THE CATHOLIC PARISH NEVER HEARD OR SEEN THESE SPECIAL HANDMADE RIBBONED PINS. I WILL BE HAPPY TO RECOMMEND YOUR FABULOUS WORK. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ARTISTIC WORK, REASONABLE PRICES, AND EFFORTS IN GETTING THESE TO PITTSBURGH ON TIME FOR MY SON'S CHRISTENING. GOD BLESS YOU, MARLENA P.S. THESE ARE NICE FAVORS TO GIVE TO MY RELATIVES AND FRIENDS WHO WERE UNABLE TO ATTEND THE CEREMONY.

• Story by mmpav@optonline.net

  We searched the entire internet and traveled to all the stores in Astoria, Queens (as there are no stores near us in NJ) and were not only delighted that she had the exact ribbon that I wanted, was also able to accommodate my special requests (being non-greek married to a greek we had two sets of godparents), but also had the best prices. They were delivered early and perfect. They were absolutely stunning! We could not have been happier! We will come back again and again for our next child as well as recommend to everyone. Thank you so very much for making our special day even more special.

• Story by eliactida@aol.com

  The martyrika are so beautiful! I couldn't of asked for anything more. I am so happy that I ordered them from you and I am very surprised..Thank you so much for your time and the detail it took to make them so lovely. I will let everyone know that if they need them for their baptism ----you're the one!!!!!!!

• Story by galatsi80@aol.com

  Sonia from New Jersey I came upon the Portara website while searching online for Christening items for my dear friend's daughters Christening - (of whom I was the Godmother.) I am an extremely busy working professional and mother of a 13 month old who had limited time to go into New York City to coordinate Christening items. At the same time, however, I wanted to make my Godchild's Christening day extra special. The Portara.com website is so easily navigatible, the quality and selection of the products are absolutely beautiful... The prices are extremely reasonable, and the service is top-notch. You can't go wrong with Portara.com, if you have just come upon this website - look no further -- take it from one who really scrutinizes everything -- you have found the best!!!

• Story by Andrew and Penny from Orange, CA

  We just received the Martirika, and boy, we are very impressed!... My wife and I have been looking for something a little different that what everyone else has been doing, but you exceeded our expectations...If and when the time comes, we will come back to you and will refer anyone else who needs these type of items to you...
  
  Thanks again

• Story by Sereynita from Haverhill, MA

  I am happy to inform you that we already received our order of dolls and they are all beautiful. I could just imagine what it would look like on the day of the party. Anyway, I will send you a photo/s after the party.
  Thank you so much.
  
  We appreciate businesses like yours which are truly unique and most of all, considerably priced.
  Just want to let you know that we already received the stands yesterday. Thank you so much. They're not only ordinary stands but also nice to look at. I just can't wait to set it up on the tables. It is so nice doing business with you

• Story by Beba from Birmingham, AL

  I got my order yesterday and I wanted to let you know the pins are beautiful.They were a big hit with the famlily. The icon was very nice also, it was very different.
  Thank you for all your help, my baby's day will be extra special.
  
  P.S. I will tell others at church about your web site!!!!!

• Story by hatzis@sbcglobal.net

  We just received the martirika, and boy, we are impressed!...My wife and I have been looking for something a little different that what everyone else has been doing, but you exceeded our expectations...If and when the time comes, we will come back to you and will refer anyone else who needs these type of items to you... Thanks again Andrew and Penny

• Story by sereyaltarejos@netscape.net

  Hello Helen, I am happy to inform you that we already received our order of dolls and they are all beautiful. I could just imagine what it would look like on the day of the party. Anyway, I will send you a photo/s after the party.Thank you so much. We appreciate businesses like yours which are truly unique and most of all, considerably priced. Sincerely, Sereynita

• Story by Eva

  Helen, Thank you again.
  
  My son was baptized yesterday and the Martyrika were a big hit. Everyone who saw them wanted to know where we got them.
  Our priest even wanted to know how to get them. Don't be suprised if you start seeing more orders from Central Florida!
  Will you do custom orders for First Communion as well? We will be celebrating my daughter's first communion in the next couple of years. Much appreciation!
  
  Eva

• Story by Eileen

  Helen,
  
  Thanks for the update and the personal touch to your customer service, It is very reassuring when one is doing business on the Internet.
  
  Happy Holidays!
  
  Eileen

• Story by Efy Leonardi

  Dear Helen
  
  Thank you so very much for the beautiful job you did with the favors, candles and martirika for my daughter's christening. All my guests were extremely impressed with the quality of the items and the care in which they were packaged. I look forward to shopping with you soon
  
  Best regards

• Story by Amanda

  Hello Helen,
  
  You do everything as an art.You are a wonderful person and you do wonderful work.
  
  Thank you so much

• Story by Chrissy Kazane

  Beautiful gifts,elegantly done.Excellent customer service and unique designs.

• Story by Tammy Christou

  Helen goes out of her way for her customers. She provides unique gifts for all occasions but also lets her customers be creative. For my sister's bridal shower we put our heads together and came up with one-of-a-kind centerpieces and favors.Everyone is still talking about my sister's shower! Thank you Helen and wishing many years of sucess!

• Story by Chris

  Thanks Helen, I appreciate your honesty and have enjoyed doing business with you. Great web site. Can't wait to visit your store my next time in the city. take Care,

• Story by Carol Freeman

  Dear Helen, I just wanted to let you know that my daughter absolutely loves her sphinx. As soon as she saw the Greek letters on the wrapping tape, she knew what it was--and burst into tears! Thanks so much for making it possible. Happy New Year

• Story by Carol Freeman

  Helen, I received my Sphinx. It is very beautiful! I know my daughter is going to love it. Thank you for your excellent service, and also for the newsletter. Carol

• Story by Teresa Balderas

  Hi Helen,
  
  The doll I won on your site is just beautiful. She is so unique and beautifully dressed. I still can't believe I won her. I'll be sure and tell all my friends where they can buy one if they like her as much as I do. Thank you so much.
  
  ' Take care,
  Teresa Balderas

• Story by Eleni Tsiumas

  Subject: Compliment
  
  Comments: You have a geat web site and I thank you for making these beautiful art pieces available throught web. I am a collector of cycladic statues and am always looking for a new piece.
  
  Thanks.

• Story by Maureen Calloway

  I fist heard about this site from a friend of mine who had attended a doll show. The dolls are amazing. I've never seen such unusual and mesmerizing figurines. The dolls are something else in real life!