Thessaloniki: Litany of the Holy Icon of Panagia Gerontissa and the Holy Relic of Saint Dimitrios

With high honors and a special procession, the litany of the holy relic of Saint Dimitrios and the miraculous icon of Panagia Gerontissa took place in the main streets around the church of Saint Dimitrios in Thessaloniki.

The holy litany was attended by their Eminences Metropolitan Makarios of Sidirokastros, Metropolitan Varnavas of Neapolis and Stavroupolis, Metropolitan David of Grevena, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Trikki, Gardiki and Pyli, Metropolitan Stephanos of Philippi, of Neapolis and Thassos, Metropolitan Bartholomew of Polyani and Kilkis, Metropolitan Amphilochios of Thiras, Amorgos and Nisoi, and His Grace Bishop Nikiforos of Amorion, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Vlatadon.

Also, delegations of the Armed Forces, tanks of the 3rd Army Corps, the security forces, the Greek Red Cross, the Mayor Mr. Konstantinos Zervas, representatives of the local authorities took part in the Holy Procession, while also bring followed with respect and enthusiasm by thousands of pilgrims.

Worth mentioning is the fact that for the first time this year the holy icons and holy relics reached the forecourt of the Interior Ministry (Macedonia – Thrace), where the Hierarchs conducted certain prayers and the Deputy Minister Mr. Stavros Kalafatis venerated the Holy Icons and Relics of Saint Dimitrios.

Undoubtedly, few cities have such a close relationship with their patron Saint, as Thessaloniki has with Saint Dimitrios. The feast of the saint is a very important day for every Northern Greek. It is not just a brilliant celebration during which Macedonia “wears its best”, but it is the time, which honours their patron, the saint to whom they deposit their woes, problems, hope, worries. That is why in the sources he is called a great martyr, one who loves the city, one who saves the city and myrrh-flower.

The Master of Ceremonies was the Protosyncellus of the Metropolis of Thessaloniki, Archimandrite Father Iakovos Athanasiou, while the responsibility of coordinating the religious events was the Proistamenos of the church, Archimandrite Father Damaskinos Petikas.

Also present were the Vicar General Archimandrite Fr. Fotios Zarzavatsakis, the Archimandrite Fr. Dimitrios Tziafas and dozens more clergymen of the Local Church.

Source: ope.gr / Photos: Raphael Georgiadis (Ραφαήλ Γεωργιάδης)