The Feast of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary at the Church of Panagia Armata in Spetses, Greece
On the two days of September 7 and 8, the historic and glorious island of Spetses celebrated the feast of Panagia “Armata” with due ecclesiastical splendour in her historic Church, which was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Ephraim of Hydra, Spetses and Aegina, who was also joined by the Protosyncellus of the Metropolis, Archimandrite Nektarios Dardanos along with the holy clergy of the Island.
Panagia Armata is associated with the victorious Battle of Spetses (September 8, 1822).
His Eminence preached the Holy Sermon in an inspired manner, and referred to the brave figure of Kosmas Barbatsis and emphasised the self-sacrificing spirit of the fighters – heroes of the 1821 Revolution.
After the Divine Liturgy, a Doxology and a memorial service were held.
The authorities of the Island, the MPs of the regional district, the Vice-Chief of the Fleet and a large number of believers were present for the feast day and commemorations.
The Mayor of Spetses, Ms. Eugenia Fragia, on the evening of 7 September 2024, welcomed His Eminence Metropolitan Ephraim and his entourage to the Town Hall, and then following this, the extraordinary event of the re-enactment of the Battle of Spetses in the central port of the island took place.