High Priest of the Opening Vespers at the Holy Church of Agios Dimitrios Ano Grammatikos Pellitranslated

On Friday, July 17, 2026, in the afternoon, the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Floris, Prespa and Eordaia Mr. Irenaios went to the Parish of Agios Dimitrios Ano Grammaticos Pelli, where he officiated at the High Priestly Vespers of the Inauguration. Upon his arrival, Pastor Mr. Irenaios carried the holy relics, which, according to church order, will be placed on the Holy Altar during tomorrow's Mass. These are fragments of holy relics of the Holy Sabbatean and Sinaitic Fathers and the Holy Infants of those deposed under Herod.

Before the end of Vespers, His Holiness spoke to the congregation about the deeper spiritual meaning of the Inauguration. He referred to the historical course of the Inauguration in the Holy Bible and church tradition. He first recalled the Tabernacle, which Moses set up in the second year after the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, about 1445 BC, and which was covered by the glory of the Lord. He then referred to the opening of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem, about 959 BC, when the people gathered and Solomon dedicated the Temple to God as a house of prayer and worship.

Finally, he commemorated the inauguration of…