Glorious reception of the Holy Icon of Saint Kallinikos in Giannitsa

On Saturday afternoon, 11 January 2025, the Parish of Saints Constantine and Helen of Giannitsa welcomed with devotion and special honour, the holy Icon of Saint Kallinikos, Metropolitan of Edessa, Pella and Almopia. The Philharmonic Band of the Municipality of Pella and the Association of Friends of Crete “The Minoans” participated in the litany of the reception of the Icon.

A Festal Vespers Service followed the reception, and was presided over by His Grace Bishop Stephanos of Almopia, who in his sermon praised the life and virtues of Saint Kallinikos, highlighting him as a model of love, faith and service. At the end of the Vespers, the Parish Priest of the Holy Church, Fr. Konstantinos Konstantakis, thanked His Eminence Metropolitan Joel of Edessa, Pella and Almopia, His Grace Bishop Stephanos of Almopia, the pious donors of the holy icon and announced the creation of a holy Chapel dedicated to Saint Kallinikos within the south aisle of the church, as well as the weekly (every Thursday) celebration of the Supplication Service to the Saint.

On the next day, Sunday, 12 January 2025, a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy took place and was presided over by His Grace Bishop Stephanos of Almopia, who was joined in concelebration by the Preacher of the Holy Metropolis, Archimandrite Nikodimos Kansizoglou and the assistant priests of the Church.

The sacred services were attended by the Member of Parliament of Pella, Mr. Georgios Karasmanis, the Mayor of Pella, Mr. Efstathios Fountoukidis, the Commander of the Giannitsa Fire Department, Mr. Lazaros Konstantinou, and other representatives of local authorities and associations.