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The celebration of the collection of the relics of St. Gabriel in Lerostranslated

July 19, 2026 · 1 min read

From the evening of Friday, July 17, the liturgical events began, on the collection of the relics of Osias Gabrielias, Patron and Ephorus of the Island of Leros. The devotional events began with the ceremony in front of her Tomb, in the Holy Monastery of Panagia of Leros Castle, by Rev. Metropolitan of Leros, Kalymnos and Astipalaia Mr. Paisios of the Holy Prayer. Afterwards, at the Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos Leros, it took place, presided over by Rev. Metropolitan of Symi, Mr. Chrysostomou, the reception of the Holy Cara, the Holy Relics and the Holy Icon of Osia, after which the Great Solemnity Polyhierarchical Vespers was held, also officiated by Metropolitan Mr. Chrysostomou and concelebrated by Rev. Metropolitan of Leros Mr. Paisios and Theophilus. Bishops of Halicarnassus Mr. Adrianos, Mr. Stefanos of Stratonikeia and Mr. Antoniou of Rodostolo.

Late in the afternoon, the Holy Litany of Saint Kara, the Holy Relics and the Holy Icon of Saint Gabriel took place, from the Holy Metropolitan Church to the central square of Platanos, in front of the Philharmonic Hall of the Municipality of Leros, where in front of the Town Hall a Deesis was chanted and...

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Matthew Scott

I remember reading about Saint Gavrilia years ago and how she lived such a simple life on Leros. Nice to see her relics brought out with the procession to the main square in Platanos and the band leading the way. Did they finish the prayer service at the town hall before it got too dark?

Валентина Соловьёва

Yes, I remember how she lived quite simply on Leros. It’s good that they brought the relics and the icon to the center of Platana with the orchestra in front. Did the service at City Hall end before dark or were they already singing by candlelight?

Вера Комарова

Yes, Valentina, she really lived very modestly, almost unnoticed. Lithia reached the city hall before dark, but Desis was already singing by candlelight when it got dark. Were you yourself in Leros in those years?

Xenia Bennett

Yes, the deisis at the town hall wrapped up just as the light was fading, but they kept the procession moving smoothly back toward the monastery without any rush. I’ve always been struck by how St. Gavrilia patched her own sandals and cooked for the patients with whatever was in the pantry—makes the grand relics procession feel even more grounded. Have you ever visited the Kastelli monastery yourself?

Thomas Taylor

The deisis at the town hall does sound peaceful with the light fading like that. I haven't made it to Kastelli monastery yet, but I did visit the patients' house in Athens years ago where she used to cook with whatever was on hand—simple beans and whatever bread they had left. Did the procession stop anywhere else along the way?

Paul Davis

The deisis at the town hall does sound peaceful. I’ve never been to Kastelli monastery either, but I did hike up to the old castle on Leros a couple of years back and the view from there stuck with me. What struck you most about her patching her own sandals?

Xenia Wilson

The deisis at the town hall was indeed calm, with just the sound of the sea in the background. I’ve been to the Kastelli monastery a few times for services and it’s a special spot. As for Mother Gavrilia patching her own sandals, what struck me was how she kept everything so simple and practical, even when she could have asked for help. Did the castle hike take you long?

Emma Carter

The view from that old castle really does stay with you, doesn’t it? I remember thinking the same thing last time I was up there. What struck me about her patching her own sandals was how she’d reuse the same leather scraps for years instead of buying new ones, even when visitors offered to get her a proper pair.

Helen Campbell

The deisis at the town hall really was peaceful with the sea like that. I remember Mother Gavrilia’s sandals too—my aunt still talks about how she’d mend them with whatever thread was at hand instead of bothering anyone. The hike up to Kastelli took me about 25 minutes last time, but I stopped twice to catch my breath. Did you go all the way to the top during one of those services?

Mark Wilson

The deisis by the sea does sound peaceful—I can picture that view from the square. I never knew about Mother Gavrilia mending her sandals with whatever thread was handy; that fits what I've read about her simple ways. The hike to Kastelli is no joke, especially in the heat—did you make it to the monastery itself or just partway up?

Matthew Campbell

The deisis at the town hall must have been something with the sea in the background like that. I’ve been to the Kastelli monastery a few times myself for vespers and always appreciated how quiet it stays even with visitors. On the sandals, what got me was how she’d sit there after evening prayer fixing them with needle and thread like it was the most normal thing in the world, no fuss at all. Have you read her book about the years in India?

Sophia Young

The deisis in the square with the sea behind it does sound special. I’ve only been to the Kastelli monastery once but the quiet struck me too, even with a few tourists around. Haven’t read the India book yet – is that the one where she talks about her simple daily routines?