Ioannina honours the memory of its Protector and Patron, Saint George the New Martyr
With due religious reverence and splendour, the transfer of the Holy Icon of the Saint from the Sacred House to the Icon stand at the Central Gate of the Fortress was celebrated in Ioannina, as well as the Great Vespers on the feast of the Protector and Patron Saint of the city, Saint George the New Martyr, who contested and died in Ioannina, at the Holy Shrine on Pargis Square.
The Holy Service of the Transfer of the Icon was led by His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos of Ioannina, who was joined by local Priests. Subsequently, the Holy Icon was transferred to the Pilgrimage Church where it was placed.
The Vespers Service was officiated by His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Tanagra, who co-officiated with the local Metropolitan Maximos of Ioannina, and joined by the Protosyncellus of the Metropolis, Fr. Thomas, as well as by a multitude of Priests of the Metropolis, while Priests from other Metropolises also took part. The celebrating Pilgrimage Church of the patron saint, packed with a crowd of faithful, was attended, among others, by representatives of the Political, Military Authorities and the Security Forces, the educational institutions of the city, as well as representatives of the Municipal and Local Communities of the Municipality of Ioannina.
His Eminence Metropolitan Maximos of Ioannina, in his brief address, referred to Saint Anthony the Great and teacher of the Wilderness, the Saint co-celebrating with the patron Saint George the New Martyr, and he also thanked Bishop Apostolos from the bottom of his heart, who came to express his love and honour with his presence at the feast of the Patron Saint and Protector of the province.
The Holy Sermon was preached by His Grace Bishop Apostolos of Tanagra, who referred to the person of the Holy New Martyr George, emphasising, among other things, commented that “The New Martyr George of the Church is a Great Witness of the Truth, and we are all called to imitate the Saint, who is the Protector, Guardian and Mediator in Heaven for all of us.”
