Kalamata welcomes the venerated relic of Saint Irene

On Sunday, October 18, 2026, the city of Kalamata welcomed the venerated relic of Saint Irene the Great Martyr. The relic, which is kept at the Holy Temple of Saint Irene in Riganakampou, Patras, was brought to the Holy Monastery of Prophet Joēl.

The procession was led by the Metropolitan of Patras, Chrysostomos, accompanied by Archimandrite Artemio Argyropoulos and the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Ompli, Archimandrite Nektarios Kotsakis. The event was attended by a large number of faithful, local authorities, and clergy, including the Metropolitan of Messinia, Chrysostomos.

Following the reception, the relic was moved into the Catholicon of the monastery for a festive Vespers service. The ceremony included spiritual addresses regarding the history of the relic's discovery and the prophetic work of Prophet Joēl. The event concluded with an Artoklasia ceremony at the monastery's Phiale. Local officials in attendance included Deputy Minister Ioannis Lampropoulos and the Mayor of Kalamata, Athanasios Vasilopoulos.