Orthodox communities celebrate Dormition of the Mother of God

Religious communities across Greece and Cyprus celebrated the Dormition of the Mother of God with major liturgical services and traditional festivities.

In Symi, large crowds gathered at the historic Church of Panagia tou Kastrou for the Great Vespers and subsequent processions. The celebrations included the blessing of the ‘kollyva of Panagia’ and services at the Holy Temple of Panagia ‘Alithinis’.

In Rethymno, Crete, festivities took place at the Holy Monastery of Timiou Prodromou and the Panagia Charekiani shrine. The events were attended by local officials and clergy, featuring sermons and communal meals.

In Messenia, the Monastery of Vulkanou and the Monastery of Demiovi hosted significant ceremonies. The Metropolitan of Carthage and the Metropolitan of Messenia presided over services, including a traditional procession of the Holy Icon of Panagia of Vulkanio on Mount Ithomi.

In Cyprus, monasteries in the Paphos region also held celebrations to mark the feast day.