New Filadelfia celebrates Panagia Vourliotissa feast

The community of New Filadelfia held major religious celebrations to honor Panagia Vourliotissa, the city's patron saint. The festivities, centered at the Cathedral Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God, included a grand Panarchieratic Divine Liturgy and a Vespers service.

A significant element of the event was the presence of a piece of the Holy Wood, which was welcomed by the faithful. The icon of Panagia Vourliotissa, which was brought from Vourla during the refugee displacement, serves as a vital symbol of the region's refugee identity and historical memory.

The ceremonies were led by several high-ranking clergy, including Metropolitans Panteleimon of Maroneia and Komotini, Athanasios of Sisani and Siatista, and Gabriel of Nea Ionia, Filadelfia, Herakleion, and Chalkidona. The events were also attended by political figures, including Vice President of the Government Kostis Hatzidakis and Minister of Health Adonis Georgiadis, alongside local municipal leaders and representatives of refugee associations.