The Feast Day of Panagia Myrtidiotissa in Kythera, Greece

With splendour the island of Kythira celebrated its Patroness, Panagia Myrtidiotissa, in the Church of Her Pilgrimage site, where for centuries the Miraculous Icon of The Mother of God has been found and kept.

The festival was celebrated with the presence of His Grace Bishop Athanasios of Olenes, who presided over the Panegyric Vespers, and His Eminence Metropolitan Kallinikos of Arta, who presided over the Divine Liturgy, both having been invited by the regional Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera and Antikythera.

The Greek government was represented by the Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Mr. Kostas Katsafados, while the MPs Mr. Nikos Manolakos and Mr. Christoforos Boutsikakis, the Mayor of Kythira Mr. Efstratios Charchalakis and members of the Municipal Council were present, Mayors and local government officials from all over Greece, the President and CEO of EETAA,  senior officers of the Navy and the Coast Guard and representatives of the Security Forces.

The attendance of pilgrims from all over the country was unprecedented, with larger than remembered crowds participating in the divine services for the holy feast day of Panagia Myrtidtiossa

More photos: