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The Metropolitans of Arti and Preveza in the Byzantine Holy Church of Panagia Vlacherna Artitranslated

July 4, 2026 · 1 min read

Magnificently the Byzantine Church of Panagia Vlachernon Artis, built in the 13th AD. century by Michael II Duke Komnenos, celebrated the commemoration of the Deposition of the Holy Mother of God, on the afternoon of July 1, 2026. The vespers was officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Artis Mr. Kallinikos, kindly invited by the concelebrating His Eminence Metropolitan Nikopolis and Preveza Mr. Chrysostomou, with the presence of priests from both Holy Metropolises.

The Most Reverend Metropolitan Artis Mr. Kallinikos, after first thanking the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Nicopolis and Preveza Mr. Chrysostomos for the invitation, during his speech he first referred to the Holy Church emphasizing that its construction is the culmination of the faith and love for God of the people of the time, saying characteristically that "even the stones breathe in this Church". He then spoke in words of praise about the face of the Mother of God and Her contribution to the salvation of people. At the end, small processions followed.

The Vesper was attended by the Regional Councilor and President of ETANAM Mrs. Tasoula Simou, the Mayor of Artaia Mr. Christophoros Siafakas,...

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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Елена Соловьёва

It’s good that the metropolitans served together. I especially remember the words of Bishop Kallinikos about “and the stones breathe in this church” - I immediately imagined how in such an ancient place everything was truly alive. I wonder if there are often joint services there from the two dioceses?

Mathilde Lefebvre

Yes, these words from Metropolitan Kallinikos about the stones that breathe really pleased me too. You really feel history alive in a 13th century sanctuary like that of the Panagia Blachernae. It makes me think of our little church in Strasbourg, where even the old walls have a presence. Was the procession big?

Claire Bernard

Yes, this image of breathing stones is really telling, we feel it in old sanctuaries. The little litany that followed was modest, around twenty people with the two bishops and the priests. And your church in Strasbourg, from what era exactly?

Тимофей Тарасов

Yes, those words about “stones breathe” stuck with me. The church is really ancient, 13th century, it feels like it is alive. And they have joint services a couple of times a year, especially on patronal feasts such as Blachernae. Have you been there?

Serge Martin

Yes, these breathing stones are exactly what I felt when I visited Arta two years ago. The little litany seemed very simple and collected to me, a change from big, crowded parties. And your church in Strasbourg, is it dedicated to which saint?

Michel Girard

Yes, these old stones that “breathe” really make a mark, you feel it as soon as you enter. The litany was very simple, I liked it. For our church in Strasbourg, it is a building from the beginning of the 20th century, 1908 to be exact, nothing to do with the 13th century! And you, have you already visited Arta?

Hélène Martin

Yes, these stones that “breathe” really make a mark, I feel the same thing every time I enter an old Byzantine sanctuary. The simple little litany, without crowds, is often where we pray best. My church in Strasbourg is dedicated to Saint Geneviève, and are you going back to Greece soon?