# Orthodox Church religious ceremonies for new school year > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/orthodox-church-religious-ceremonies-for-new-school-year > Updated: 2026-09-09T16:16:32.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 2. Orthodox Metropolitans in Montenegro, Greece, and Serbia have conducted various religious ceremonies and visits to mark the beginning of the new academic year and strengthen ecclesiastical ties. In Montenegro and Greece, Metropolitan Joanikije of Montenegro and the Littoral visited the Mega Spileo Monastery in Kalavryta as a reciprocal gesture to Metropolitan Jeronimos. Meanwhile, in Serbia, Metropolitan Atanasije of Mileševa led prayer services in Pljevlja to invoke the Holy Spirit for students, parents, and teachers. In Greece, Metropolitan Timothy of Thessaly and Fanariofarsala performed Agiasmos ceremonies at several educational institutions in the Karditsa and Farsala regions. During these visits, he highlighted the responsibility of students to use their education to leave a “positive impact on society.” ## Claims - Metropolitan Timothy of Thessaly performed the Agiasmos ceremony at schools in Karditsa and Farsala. (single source) - The 2026–2027 school year for primary and secondary education began on Friday, September 11, 2026. (single source) - The Metropolitan visited the 2nd EPAL of Karditsa at 8:30 a.m. to perform the Agiasmos ceremony. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-09: Greece implements strict new nutritional rules for school canteens Greece introduces strict new nutritional rules for school canteens, banning processed meats, soft drinks, and junk food to combat childhood obesity and promote healthier eating habits among students. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/metropolitan-timothy-performs-agiasmos-ceremonies-for-new-school-year ### 2026-09-06: Orthodox Metropolitans conduct religious visits and school blessings Orthodox Metropolitans conducted religious visits in Greece and led prayer services for the new school year in Pljevlja, Serbia. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/orthodox-metropolitans-conduct-religious-visits-and-school-blessings --- Cite as: Orthodox Church religious ceremonies for new school year. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/orthodox-church-religious-ceremonies-for-new-school-year