High Priestly convocation and liturgy at the 114th "Eleftheria" of Aridaiatranslated

The annual festival of the Protectors of Aridaia and the 114th anniversary of its liberation were celebrated with dignity and solemnity. On Tuesday, November 3, 2026, in the afternoon, in the celebratory Church of Saints Nikandros and Ioannikios in Aridaia, the reception of the Holy Cara of Saint Neomartyr Chrysis took place and, subsequently, a Great Vespers was held, presided over by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Edessa, Pelli and Almopia, Mr. Ioel and co-consecrator of the Theophilus Bishop of Almopia, Mr. Stefanos.

The divine speech was preached by His Holiness Archimandrite Panteleimon Karalazos (dr.Th.), Preacher of the Holy Metropolis, who referred to the faces of the celebrated saints, emphasizing that, while they lived in different times, they shared faith, holiness and a common day of celebration. Saint Nikandros, ordained by the apostle Titus, preached Christ and was martyred.

St. John received gifts of foresight, insight, healing and miracle-working, he guided multitudes of believers and defended the honor of icons during the iconoclasm, even before the emperor Theophilus. In this divine teaching on the honor of holy images…