Procession of the Epitaph of the Most Holy Theotokos through the streets of Nea Ioniatranslated

In a gloomy atmosphere and with proper church order, the Great Solemn Vespers was celebrated on Friday, August 14, 2026, on the great Theotokos feast of the Dormition and Transfiguration of the Most Holy Theotokos in the celebratory Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos of Inepolis in N. Ionia. The Holy Mass was presided over by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Nea Ionia, Philadelphia, Heraklion and Chalkidon Mr. Gabriel, who, flanked by clergy of the Holy Metropolis, sang the Praises of the Virgin in front of Her Epitaph.

The Vespers were attended by Fr. Mayor of Ionia Prefecture Mr. Despoina Thomaidou, the President of the Management Committee of the KE.MI.PO of the Municipality of Ionia Prefecture Mr. Loukas Christodoulou, members of the Municipal Council, presidents and representatives of refugee associations, as well as a number of pious believers who came with reverence to honor the Virgin Mother of our Lord.

The divine speech was preached by Metropolitan Mr. Gabriel, who referred to the venerable person of the Mother of God, underlining Her unique contribution to the plan of the Divine Economy and Her uninterrupted intercession in favor of the world.

Afterwards, a procession of the Epitaph of...