Solemn Vespers for the Feast of Our Lady of Odigetria in Metochi of the Holy Monastery of Xenophon in Nea Ioniatranslated

On Saturday, September 26, 2026, the Great Solemn Vespers was celebrated with due splendor on the feast of the Synagogue of the Most Holy Theotokos of Odegitria in the Holy Metochi of the Holy Fathers of the Holy Monastery of Xenophon of Mount Athos in Nea Ionia. The Solemn Vespers was officiated by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Nea Ionia, Philadelphia, Heraklion and Chalkidon, Mr. Gabriel, with the participation of the Panosiologiot Professors of the Holy Monastery of Xenophon Archimandrite Alexios and of the Holy Monastery of Pantokrator Archimandrite Gabriel, Fathers from the Holy Monasteries of the State of Athonia and clergy of the Holy Metropolis of Nea Ionia.

The divine word was preached by Metropolitan Mr. Gavriel, who referred to the venerable person of the Blessed Virgin Mary as man's "Guide" to Christ, pointing out that honoring the Blessed Virgin Mary is not just an expression of piety, but is inextricably linked to the very mystery of the Incarnation of the Son and Word of God, since through the Virgin Christ assumed human nature and became man for the salvation of the world.

Finally, His Eminence warmly thanked the Panosiology Professor of the Holy Monastery of Xenophon...