Veria celebrates Saint Anthony, its patron saint, on August 1

On August 1, the city of Veria in northern Greece holds its annual feast honoring Saint Anthony, the town’s patron saint. Thousands of faithful gather at the historic Holy Temple where his relics are kept, seeking blessings and intercession.

Archiepiscopal Exarch of Veria, Archimandrite Sospitros Pitoulas, explained that Saint Anthony lived in the late 10th–early 11th century, spent twenty years in a monastic community on the Veria Skete, then withdrew to a cave for another fifty‑four years of prayer. He died peacefully on 1 January; tradition says his relics were found incorrupt and fragrant sixteen days later and were carried on a cart drawn by oxen to the Panagia church, where he was buried.

The saint’s legend has shaped local place names, and the church survived two major fires in 1860 and 1898. The current building was inaugurated in 1904 after reconstruction funded by a benefactor. The celebration continues to draw pilgrims who request healing and spiritual guidance.