← News feed Church of Greece

The Metropolitan of Rethymno at the celebratory Church of Saint Mary Magdalene of Nea Magnesiatranslated

July 24, 2026 · 1 min read

The Most Reverend Metropolitan of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, Mr. Prodromos, went on the afternoon of Tuesday, July 21, 2026, to the celebratory Holy Church of Saint Mary Magdalene of New Magnesia, where he officiated during the Great High Priestly Vespers, with the participation of clergy of the Holy Metropolis and a multitude of believers, who gathered despite the extreme heat of the day, including the Deputy Governor of Rethymno Mrs. Mary Lionis after her husband Mr. Christos Lionis, Emeritus Professor of the University of Crete. The Divine Word, at the prompting of His Eminence, was preached by the Most Reverend Protopresbyter Evangelos Dermitzakis, for many years Vicar of the Parish in question, who spoke eloquently about Saint Mary Magdalene.

This was followed by a festive treat from the Cultural Association of the region, in the forecourt of the Holy Church, while His Eminence addressed the large congregation and the Parish Priest, Fr.

The post The Metropolitan of Rethymno at the celebratory Church of Saint Mary Magdalene of Nea Magnesia appeared...

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

⚑ Report

💬 Comments (11) 🌐 Show original

Антон Виноградов

It’s good that despite the intense heat, people came to the service. Father Evangelos spoke interestingly about Saint Mary Magdalene, since even the Metropolitan asked him. Well done to the new rector Father Smaragdos, hang in there.

Максим Зайцев

Yes, in such heat it is especially valuable that people were not lazy. Father Evangelos knows the parish really well, so his words are always on point. But Father Smaragdos really needs to hold on, there is a lot of work there.

Κατερίνα Παπαδοπούλου

Good that so many people came despite the heat. Fr. Evangelos Dermitzakis has known the parish for years, which is why he spoke so eloquently about St. Mary Magdalene. May Father Smaragdos Dendrinos have strength in his new ministry.

Ольга Виноградова

Yes, even the locals can barely stand it in such heat, and then guests from Rethymnon also arrived. Father Evangelos really served in this parish all his life, which is why he spoke so sincerely. And I wish Father Smaragdos not only to hold on, but also to put the garden at the church in order - there used to be good roses there.

Вера Васильева

Yes, in such heat even roses could wilt. Father Evangelos really spoke very vividly, I could just imagine how he served there for years. Have you been in those parts for a long time, Olga? Did you still find the roses in bloom?

Антон Орлов

Yes, Olga, the roses there were really gorgeous, I remember how last year they were watered after the service. The heat this July exhausted everyone, but since the Metropolitan came, it means it’s an important matter. And Father Smaragdos, in my opinion, had already begun to plant something near the fence, he saw a couple of bushes. Have you been there this year?

Ирина Комарова

Vera, indeed, in such heat, even the roses wilted, I saw them along the way - completely wilted. Father Evangelos really spoke as if he himself had stood there at the throne all these years. Do you often go to New Magnesia for the throne?

Валентина Павлова

Yes, Anton, Father Smaragdos has indeed already planted a couple of bushes near the fence, I came in in June and saw it. The heat this year is simply brutal, even the roses almost withered, but people still came. Were you on the throne this year or just last year?

Софья Семёнова

Yes, Anton, Father Smaragdos also fed the roses at the entrance this year; I stopped by a couple of times in July. The heat really wore everyone out, but the caesarma after the service was a great success, especially the cheese pies from the local society. Last year, after watering the roses, did you notice anything else in the garden near the church?

Софья Попова

Yes, Irina, in such heat even the roses have drooped, I also noticed on the way to the church. Father Evangelos really spoke so vividly as if he was still serving there yesterday. Do you often go there yourself for the throne or did you make it out on purpose this time?

Елена Белова

Yes, Vera, Father Evangelos really spoke so vividly, as if he himself served in New Magnisia every day these years. And the last time I saw the roses there near the church was about five years ago, they were still quite fresh. You probably go there more often?