Religious celebrations for Dimitria 2026 begin in Greece

The religious celebrations of ‘Dimitria 2026’ have commenced, marked by significant liturgical events and the arrival of sacred relics in Greece.

In Athens, the Holy Hand of Saint Demetrios of Thessaloniki was brought to the Holy Church of Agios Dimitrios in Ampelokipoi. The relic was transported by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Trikka, Gardiki, and Pylia. The arrival signaled the start of a multi-day period of worship leading up to the feast day of Saint Demetrios. A large number of faithful attended the service and vespers to venerate the relic.

Simultaneously, celebrations marking the 30th anniversary of the ‘Dimitria’ institution took place in Crete. Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos presided over a festive Divine Liturgy at the Holy Church of Agios Dimitrios. The event included participation from various clergy members and Byzantine choirs. During his address, the Metropolitan emphasized the spiritual nature of the gathering, while the Mayor of Agios Dimitrios, Stelios Mamalakis, highlighted the deep cultural and spiritual ties between the municipality and Rethymno.