The Feast of the Holy New Martyr Theodore of Byzantium celebrated in Neochorion on the Bosphorus
With modesty, solemnity and with the traditional nobility of the City, the memory of the noble offspring of Neochorion on the Bosphorus, Saint Theodore of Byzantium the New Martyr, was celebrated in anticipation of the feast day for pastoral reasons, with the participation of clergy and people, and presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras of Kydonia, Patriarchal Supervisor of the Bosphorus Region.
On Saturday, 15 February 2025, a festal Hierarchical Vespers was celebrated in the chapel of the Saint, located in the gynaikonitis of the Holy Church of Panagia Koumariotissa, along with the blessing of the five loaves (Artoklasia) and a sermon by His Eminence Metropolitan Athenagoras.
This was followed, in an extremely pleasant atmosphere, by a wonderful reception in the Community Hall, where the parishioners were given the opportunity to engage in fellowship with one another.
On the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, 16 February, the Matins were celebrated and then the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, officiated by Metropolitan Athenagoras. The Metropolitan was joined in concelebration by Archimandrite Timotheos Railakis-Vranas, Parish Priest of the neighbouring Community of Vafeochorion, as well as by the Patriarchal Deacon Photios Poulopoulos. Before the Dismissal of the Divine Liturgy and according to tradition, His Eminence blessed the Feast Day Kolivo in honour of the Saint, preached the Holy Sermon and wished everyone well for the feast day.
A sumptuous feast followed in the Community Hall and an exchange of feast day greetings.
Nichori, which is proud of the Saint who came from within its womb, wishes everyone “a happy and prosperous new year, filled with the blessing of Saint Theodore of Byzantium, the New Martyr, and good health to accompany everyone until the feast day next year!”
