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Feast of Agios Ofelimos in the Metropolis of Mantineia and Kynouriatranslated

July 20, 2026 · 1 min read

With particular splendor, the Holy Metropolis of Mantineia and Kynouria celebrated yesterday, Sunday, July 19, in the Byzantine Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos Episcopate of Tegea, the Holy Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Synod of Chalcedon (451 AD) and especially the Saint Beneficial Bishop of Tegea, who participated in it. The village of Episkopi has been the seat of the Episcopate of Tegea since the 5th century, as witnessed by the respective Bishop of Tegea, where there is a wonderful Byzantine Church on top of an ancient theater of the 2nd century, dedicated to the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which is particularly revered by the Arcadian people.

Theophilus officiated at the Order of Orthros. The Bishop of Tegea, Mr. Theoklitos, while the High Priestly Clerk was presided over by Rev. Metropolitan of Mani Mr. Chrysostomos, co-liturgator of Rev. Metropolitan of Mantineia and Kynouria Mr. Epiphanios and Theophilus. Bishop of Tegea Mr. Theoklitou.

In his sermon, the Metropolitan of Mani, Mr. Chrysostomos, referred to the 4th Ecumenical Synod and to Saint Ofelimos, Bishop of Tegea, emphasizing the great contribution of the Holy Fathers to the formation of the Orthodox doctrine, to the preservation of the faith and to the pastoral ministry of...

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Constantin Marin

I remember my visit to Greece a few years ago, when I entered that church in Episkopi and saw how it was erected right over the ancient theater. It's impressive how everything has been preserved. Saint Ophelimos was a local bishop, not just a name in history. Thanks for the article, it reminded me of the quietness there.

Bogdan Nistor

Yes, that church in Episcopie is really impressive, built right over the ancient theater from the 2nd century. I liked how you mentioned that St. Ophelimos is not just a name in the books, but a local bishop who participated in the Synod. Did you also see relics or other ancient traces when you were there?

Anca Dumitrescu

Yes, I went to Episcopi once too, and it amazed me how the church sits right over the old theater seats. Constantin, did you also feel that special silence when you sat down in the pew? Saint Ophelimos seems to still guard the place, not just as a historical name.

Ilie Ionescu

Yes, Anca, that's exactly how it is at Episcopi - I once saw how the apse of the church perfectly overlaps the lower rows of the ancient theater. I feel that peace that you say every time I enter, it seems to pull you to stay longer. Constantin, what do you say, did you feel it too?

Marius Matei

Yes, Anca, I also once saw how the altar sits exactly above the orchestra of the ancient theater - as if it had been cut that way from the beginning. I also feel that peace when fishing in the morning on the lake, when everything is silent around. Constantin, what about you, did you ever catch that moment in the pew?