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3 clusters · 7 sources · 13 days · First seen · Last updated

Kastoria cultural heritage and diaspora celebrations

Overview

In early August 2026, Greece’s Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni officially handed over two fully restored Byzantine churches in Kastoria: the Church of Taxiarchi Metropolis and the 13th-century Church of Saint George in Omorfoklissia. The restorations removed centuries of soot, revealing vibrant frescoes and a rare wooden-carved icon. Mendoni noted that Kastoria, alongside Mount Athos and Meteora, serves as one of the three main pillars of the country’s Byzantine and ecclesiastical tradition.

To link these restored sites with the wider community, the Holy Metropolis and municipal authorities organized diaspora-focused celebrations on 16–17 August. On 16 August, Metropolitan Kallinikos led a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Holy Metropolitan Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God. The service included a memorial for deceased diaspora members and an Artoklasia prayer for the health of expatriates.

A key component of the ceremony was the recognition of two prominent diaspora members: Paul Afkos, honored for his work in Australia, and Athanasios Gimumtzinas, recognized for his contributions in Canada and his efforts in preserving Kastoria’s Byzantine churches. Both were presented with the Cross of the Holy Metropolis, icons, and letters of merit.

The scheduled programme also included a speech by Metropolitan Kallinikos at the Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos-Panagia Mavriotissa, performances by the Metropolis children’s choir, and guided tours of local sites such as the Dystpilio lake settlement and the Kastoria Aquarium.

Entities

Kastoria · Holy Metropolis of Kastoria · Paul Afkos · Church of Taxiarchi Metropolis · Athanasios Gimumtzinas

Timeline

  1. 26 days ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Kastoria Holy Metropolis honors diaspora members

    The Holy Metropolis of Kastoria held religious services and ceremonies to honor the Kastorian diaspora, including honoring Paul Afkos and Athanasios Gimumtzinas for their contributions abroad.

  2. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Kastoria hosts diaspora celebrations on August 16‑17, 2026

    Kastoria’s Holy Metropolis and municipality will hold liturgy, speeches by Metropolitan Callinikos, choir performances and guided tours on 16‑17 August 2026 to honor the city’s diaspora.

  3. about 1 month ago

    [CULTURE] 3 sources
    Kastoria receives two restored Byzantine churches, Minister Lina Mendoni says

    Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni handed over the restored Byzantine Church of Taxiarchi Metropolis and the 13th‑century Church of Saint George in Omorfoklissia, Kastoria, highlighting the town’s role as akey

Sources

imkastorias.gr · makthes.gr · newsbomb.gr · parapolitika.gr · radio-lehovo.gr · tharos.gr · vimaorthodoxias.gr

This summary has been updated 1 time: see revision history