Panagia Soumela icon visit to Rethymno

The icon of Panagia Soumela, a religious relic of Pontic Greek heritage, is scheduled for a six-day visit to Rethymno from October 24 to October 29. The Holy Metropolis of Rethymno and Avlopotamos organized a program including religious services, supplications, and pilgrimages to Perama Mylopotamou and Anogeia.

The icon arrived at Chania Airport on October 23 via a direct flight from Thessaloniki, accompanied by Metropolitan Panteleimon of Veria, Naousa, and Campania and representatives from the ‘Panagia Soumeli’ Association.

Following its arrival, a public reception and procession were held on October 24 at the Square of the Holy Four Martyrs in Rethymno, attended by local political figures, government representatives, and members of the armed forces. On Sunday, October 25, a large-scale multi-hierarchical Divine Liturgy took place at the Holy Church of the Four Holy Martyrs. The service was led by Metropolitan Panteleimon alongside Metropolitans Amphilochios of Kissamos and Selino, Titus of Kydonia and Akrotiri, and Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos. During the liturgy, Metropolitan Panteleimon delivered a sermon regarding the life of the Apostle Paul and the devotion of the Virgin Mary.