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Almopia: Feast of the Virgin Mary of Miliotissatranslated

September 9, 2026 · 1 min read

The annual feast of Panagia Miliotissa was held with reverence, sanctity and a large participation of the faithful on the feast of the Birth of the Virgin. On the eve of the holiday, Monday September 7, 2026, a High Priestly Vespers was celebrated in the celebrating holy parish church of the Birth of the Virgin Milea (Milia) of Almopia, the prelate of the Theophilest Bishop of Almopia, Mr. Stefanos, who in his sermon reviewed the prophecies of the Old Testament, pointing out that for centuries mankind has been waiting for the fulfillment of the great promise of Christ's coming into the world. This expectation is fulfilled in the person of the Theotokos, as Christ comes into the world through her. He also pointed out the constant presence of the Virgin Mary in the life of the Church and the faithful. Her name, memory and image are constantly found in the devotional life, while the very image of the Virgin holding Christ in her arms is a constant hint to Him.

At the end of Vespers, the traditional procession of the historical icon of Panagia Miliotissa (8th century) took place.

On the day of the feast, Tuesday 8/9, the Most Reverend Metropolitan...

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Xenia Davis

The procession with that 8th-century icon after the Vespers must have been something special. I always like how Bishop Stephanos tied the Old Testament prophecies straight to the Theotokos holding Christ — it makes the feast feel less like history and more like something still happening in our parishes. Did the crowd stay as big for the actual feast day liturgy on the 8th?

Галина Беляева

Yes, the lithium with that 8th century icon is always touching. In Minsk, at the Nativity of the Mother of God, they also bring out an old icon, but it is younger. But how Bishop Stefan connected the prophecies directly with the image of the Mother holding Christ - it’s definitely memorable, as if everything is still going on now. Thanks for the story.

Julien Martin

The liti with this 8th century icon must be impressive, especially in Milea. I liked how Bishop Stéfanos linked the prophecies of the Old Testament to the image of the Virgin holding Christ in her arms, it makes everything closer. We don't have such an old icon here, but the celebration always remains beautiful.