Saint Marina feast draws thousands across Greece and Bulgaria

The Orthodox commemoration of Saint Marina was celebrated with great splendor in numerous Greek towns and in Philippoupoli, Bulgaria, on July 16‑17. In Ko, Gounissa, Pieria, Mata, Argos Castle, Zakynthos and Corinth, hierarchs such as Metropolitans of Kó, Larissa‑Tyrnavos, Corfu‑Corinth, and the local bishop of Philippoupoli presided over liturgies, processions and the traditional Brotch (Eucharistic bread sharing). The celebrations featured the awarding of ecclesiastical offikia in Gounissa, choral performances, traditional folk music concerts and large gatherings of faithful, many of them pilgrims from Thessaly, the Balkans and beyond. In Voni, a folk tale recounts the saint’s miraculous provision of water during a historic battle, underscoring her enduring cultural significance. Across the sites, clergy highlighted Saint Marina’s example of steadfast faith, courage and charity, invoking her as a patron of children, the sick and those with special needs. The events attracted thousands of worshippers, reinforcing regional religious identity and preserving ancient customs tied to the 17 July feast day.