The Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos at the Holy Cell of the Annunciation in Karyes, Mount Athos

The feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos was celebrated with great splendour and with the participation of a multitude of believers, according to the Julian calendar, in the celebrating Holy Cell of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Karyes on Mount Athos, which belongs to the Holy Monastery of Simonos Petras.

At the Holy Services of the feast day, His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi, was invited to preside, by the Elder of Cell, Archimandrite Fr. Prodromos, and his brotherhood.

On the evening of Sunday, 7 April 2025, the Holy Vigil began, which lasted until morning. Great Vespers, Matins and the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy were celebrated, with the aforementioned Hierarch presiding. After the Divine Liturgy, a festive Monastic meal followed, at which Metropolitan Apostolos delivered the feast day homily to the fathers and the faithful.

Representatives of the Holy Monasteries of Dionysiou and Simonos Petras, as well as many Hieromonks and Monks from various Monasteries and Cells of Mount Athos, attended the Divine Liturgy. Also present for the feast day were the Civil Administrator of Mount Athos, Mr. Alkiviadis Stefanis, the commanders of the Police and Fire Departments, and the Secretary General of the Ministry of Interior, Mr. Athanasios Balerbas.

On the afternoon of the feast, the Vespers of the leave-taking of the Feast Day and the memorial service for the founders of the monastic cell were celebrated, officiated by His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi.