Feast of the Synagogue of Panagia Vimatarissa in N. Ioniatranslated

With splendor and due solemnity, the Holy Metropolis of Nea Ionia, Philadelphia, Heraklion and Chalkidon celebrated the Synod of the Holy Miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary "Bimatarissa" from the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi on Mount Athos, which is kept as a valuable spiritual treasure in the Holy Metropolitan Chapel of Agia Friday in Nea Ionia. On the eve of the feast, Monday September 7, 2026, the holy Relic of Saint Nikiforos the Leper and miracle worker was received, and then, in the forecourt of the Holy Chapel, the Great Solemn Vespers was held.

On the day of the feast, Monday September 8, a Solemn Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was held, officiated by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Nea Ionia, Philadelphia, Heraklion and Chalcedon Mr. Gabriel, flanked by priests and deacons of the Holy Metropolis.

Before the Dismissal, Metropolitan Mr. Gabriel referred to the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, emphasizing that the Nativity of the Virgin is the beginning of the fulfillment of the plan of the divine Economy for the salvation of man. At the same time, he referred to the special spiritual importance of the Sanctuary...