Vatzeia 2026translated

In the framework of the annual commemoration of the memory of St. John Doukas Vatatzis, a native of Didymoteicho, on the evening of Sunday, November 1st, at the Spiritual Center of the Holy Cathedral of Panagia Eleftherotria Didymoteicho, provided by the Holy Metropolis of Didymoteicho, Orestia and Soufli, a philological Evening was held again this year, with the theme; "Akathistos Hymn and the Great Prayer, parallel hymns", on the occasion of the completion of 1400 years since the standing chanting of the Akathistos Hymn in 626 in the Church of Panagia of Blacherna due to the fact that the Great Prayer Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos is a poem by Theodore II Laskares (1254-1258), son of Agios Ioannou Vatatzis (1223-1254) on the other hand.

The main speaker at the event was the Professor Emeritus of the Theological School of the University of Athens, Mr. Georgios Filias, on the topic: "The Akathistos Hymn and the Prayer Rules: historical-philological and liturgical approach". Political scientist and writer Mr. Kon participated. Holevas who spoke on the topic: "The Great General and the struggles of Hellenism (from 626 AD to the present day)" and the Castropolitan historical researcher...