Saint Callinicus of Aetolia commemorated on Aug 8 2026

The Greek Orthodox Church marks the memory of Saint Callinicus of Aetolia, Bishop of Edesa, on Saturday, 8 August 2026, forty‑two years after his repose. The commemoration highlights his life as a miracle‑working saint and patron of the Locathians.

Born Demetrios Pouli in Sitaralona, Aetolia‑Acarnania, he excelled in his studies, served as secretary of the Metropolis of Aetolia‑Acarnania, and joined the Greek Army’s Mountain Raider units. After years of pastoral work, he became Metropolitan of Edesa, where he was noted for his charitable and spiritual leadership. A proposal for his canonization was submitted in 2015, the Holy Synod approved it in 2016, and he was officially glorified as a saint in 2020. The region now counts nineteen recognized saints.

The article provides a chronological overview of his milestones, including his early education, military service, ecclesiastical duties, and the ongoing veneration of his legacy through photographs and local traditions.