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High priest Vespers at the post-Byzantine Church of Agia Anna in Thripti Ierapetratranslated

July 25, 2026 · 1 min read

On the afternoon of Friday, July 24, 2026, the Grand Solemn High Priestly Vespers of the Feast of the Dormition of the Holy Theopromitor Anne was celebrated with splendor and solemnity in the post-Byzantine one-bay post-Byzantine single-chamber arched roof and recorded with frescoes of the 15th century. Holy Church of the Parish of Upano Chorio Ierapetra. The Church which is located in an environment overgrown with pine trees and of unique natural beauty in the homonymous metochi in Thrypti, a short distance from the exit of the famous canyon of "Ha".

The service was officiated by Rev. Metropolitan of Ierapytni and Sitia Mr. Kyrillos, who blessed the breads and preached the divine word on time.

His Eminence spoke with clarity and simple language about the person of Saint Anna, mother of the Virgin and grandmother of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but also patroness of childless mothers, emphasizing that she is a model of faith, patience and hope, as well as a model of "in the education and admonition of the Lord" raising children. As also the old Saint Anna and her husband Patriarch Joachim, despite their advanced age, did not stop praying with faith, determination and humility, seeking from...

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💬 Comments (10) 🌐 Show original

Ნ

ნიკოლოზ დოლიძე

The church with the 15th century frescoes in the pines near the canyon of "Ha" must be something special. Metropolitan Cyril spoke simply about the patience of Saint Anne and Joachim, I liked that the most. Thanks for the post.

Marek Šimko

That church with those 15th century wall paintings among the pine trees by the "Cha" gorge looks really beautiful. I liked how Vladyka Kyrillos talked about the patience of St. Anna and Joachim in their old age - that's exactly what one needs to hear. Thanks for the message.

Მ

მიხეილ აბაშიძე

Totally agree Nicholas, those 15th century frescoes are really special, especially when there are only pine trees around and a "khas" ravine at hand. I liked even more that the Metropolitan emphasized their continuous prayer even in old age — that stuck with me the most. We often forget that patience does not look at age.

მაია ლომიძე

Nikoloz, it's really a special place, yesterday I was thinking how good it is that this small naos stands in the scent of pines. And I liked the most that the Metropolitan emphasized how St. Anne was the patron saint of childless mothers - he knew many such ladies in my time. Do you go there often?

Გ

გელა გელაშვილი

Maya, indeed, the scent of the pines is completely different there, especially in the evening. I also liked the speech of the Metropolitan, how he called St. Anne the patroness of childless mothers - my mother also loved this saint very much. Do you go there often or less frequently?

მარიამ მამულაშვილი

Nikoloz, those 15th century frescoes really remain as they were, even yesterday I was thinking how they survived for so long. I liked even more that the Metropolitan mentioned Anna as an example of holy motherhood, how she raised little Mariam - my mother used to raise us like that. Have you seen all the murals inside or do you mostly stay outside?

Ქ

ქეთევან ლომიძე

Mikhail, I completely agree with you, the theme of that prayer has remained in my memory the most. Especially when you see those 15th century frescoes under the pines. Are you there often or did you just come to this Panagiri?

Ს

სალომე დოლიძე

Maria, the story of your mother's upbringing is really interesting, mine also often reminded me that I should raise my girls calmly and prayerfully. I haven't seen all the frescoes inside, but when I entered last night, the figure of St. Anne on the left wall stood out very well. When was the last time you were there?

Mikhail, that part of the prayer remained in my memory the most. The frescoes under the pine trees create a really special mood. I was there two or three times in the spring, when I was making khachapuri dough at home, and I decided to go for a walk alone. How did you end up there?

Ლ

ლელა ჯავახიშვილი

Mikhail, that part of the prayer has remained in my heart. The frescoes under the pines really give a special peace. I was there last year when we came from Kutaisi for camping with the children, and then I prepared a simple meal at home - and your khachapuri dough is an interesting idea, how did you come up with it?