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"August Prayers 2026" in Dimitrias Metropolis - Traditional songs dedicated to the Virgin Marytranslated

July 24, 2026 · 1 min read

For one more year, the Holy Metropolis of Dimitrias and Almyros, through its cultural body "Magneton Kivotos - for the rescue of the cultural reserve", organizes the successful institution of the "August Prayers", from August 1 to 13, 2026. The institution combines the prayerful atmosphere of the days of the Fifteenth of August with events of music and speech dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Each night will start at 7:30 pm. with the Holy Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos and will follow at 8:30 p.m. musical and narrative event focusing on the face of Our Lady through the Greek tradition.

The events will be accompanied by the "IONIA" orchestra, with Vassilis Agrokostas singing, Georgios Diamantopoulos (cannon), Dimitris Hadjigeorgiou (sandour), Chrysostomos Hadjigeorgiou (accordion), Stefanos Kostopoulos (guitar), Nektarios Demeli (percussion), while there will be narration by Ilia Liami, theologian and musician.

The events will take place in the following churches and areas of our local Church:

· Sunday, August 2: Holy Church of Agia Ekaterini Volos

· Monday, August 3: Church of the Transfiguration of Agia Velika – Open Theater of Velika

·…

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (7) 🌐 Show original

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მარიამ მაისურაძე

This year again I will try to go to Velika, last year I really liked Dimitris Hatzigeorgiou's santouri under the trees. The Prayer at 7:30 followed by music is a nice way to start the evening of the Fifteenth of August. We thank the Diocese for continuing it.

Василий Петров

It's a good tradition, thank you for continuing. Last year I also attended a similar concert here in Novosibirsk; I especially remember when kanunaki and sandouri sounded together. Did any of us go to St. Catherine’s Church in Wola this year on August 2?

მარიამ მამულაშვილი

Mariam, I also remember the sound of santouri under the trees in Belica last year, it was very quiet. Well, if you come again this year, maybe we can sit together afterwards to reminisce. Thanks to Metropolia for not stopping.

Полина Беляева

Thank you, Vasily, for sharing. In Yaroslavl, we also sometimes sing paraklisis with folk motifs, but kanunaki with sandouri together - this probably sounds especially beautiful. Have you yourself been to such an evening in Novosibirsk, in a church or in an open area?

Тамара Иванова

Thank you, Polina. Here in Yaroslavl on the Volga, such paraklisis with folk melodies are also sometimes sung, especially in the Assumption Cathedral. But I’ve never heard kanunaki with sandouri live, I wonder how they combine with an accordion. Have you tried singing with folk tunes yourself or did you just listen?

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ვახტანგ აბაშიძე

Mariam, I also remember the sound of the santur under the trees in Belica last year, it was really special. This year I think I will be there on Monday, because I also like the accordion very much. If you come, can you meet us there?

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დავით ბერიძე

You remember well, Vakhtang, the sound of the santur in Belika sounded really special under the trees. I also like the accordion in this orchestra, so I will be there on Monday. Will you meet us or what?