Poly-Hierarchical Vespers for Saint George of Neapolis, Patron Saint of the Holy Metropolis of Nea Ionia
The Holy Metropolis of Nea Ionia, Philadelphia, Heraklion and Chalcedon honours and celebrates the venerable memory of its Patron Saint and Protector, Cappadocian Hieromartyr, Saint George of Neapolis the Wonderworker, as well as the 100th anniversary of the arrival of his incorruptible Holy Relics, which was transferred by the late forefathers of today’s inhabitants from the lands of Asia Minor and is kept as a precious treasure in the Holy Church of Saint Eustathios, Perissos in Nea Ionia.
On Saturday, 2 November 2024, the Great Poly-Hierarchical Vespers were celebrated with due splendour, and were officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Kyrillos of Kifissia, Amaroussion, Oropos and Marathon, and concelebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras, and the local Shepherd of Nea Ionia, Philadelphia, Heraklion and Chalcedon, His Eminence Metropolitan Gabriel, along with the participation of a multitude of clergymen, while inside the Holy Sanctuary, His Eminence Metropolitan Makarios of Anea, was present in prayer.
Earlier, in the context of the celebration of the Patron Saint of the Holy Metropolis, a brilliant reception of a piece of the Sacred Wood of the Holy Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, took place in the propylaea of the Holy Church, which was then placed out for veneration for the blessing and sanctification of the faithful people.
The Vespers were attended by members of the Local Municipal Council, city officials, representatives of refugee associations and a multitude of believers, who reverently came to the Holy Church of Saint Eustathios to commemorate the feast of the Patron Saint of the Holy Metropolis and to venerate his incorrupt Holy Relics.
In his brief homily, Metropolitan Gabriel warmly welcomed the two Hierarchs, expressing his thanks for their blessed presence in the refugee Metropolis of Nea Ionia.
The holy sermon was preached by His Eminence Metropolitan Kyrillos, who after initially thanking Metropolitan Gabriel for the noble invitation, then referred to the martyred life of Saint George of Neapolis and the rich spiritual gifts that adorned and illuminated his soul.
The Sacred Wood of the Holy Cross will remain enshrined in the Holy Church of Saint Eustathios until Wednesday, 6th November 2024.
