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Solemn Vespers of the Holy Metropolitan Church of Agios Andreas Archbishop of Crete in Arkalochoritranslated

July 5, 2026 · 1 min read

On Friday, July 3, 2026, the eve of the feast of Saint Andrew, Archbishop of Crete of Jerusalem, the eponymous Holy Metropolitan Church in Arkalochori, received the Holy Relics of Saint Anastasia the Pharmacist and Saint Charalambos, from the Holy Monastery of Toplos, buried under the Priest of the Holy Monastery and Proconsul of the Holy Metropolis of Ierapytni and Sitia, Panosiol. Archimandrite Ambrosios Skarvelis. Then followed the Great High Priest Vespers, which was officiated by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Petra and Herronissos, Mr. Gerasimos, co-celebrant of the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Rethymno and Aulopotamos, Mr. Prodromos, the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Arkalochori, Kastelli and Viannos, Mr. Andreou and Theophilestatus Bishop of Knossos, Mr. Methodiou, who preached the divine word to the crowded congregation and wished the celebrant Metropolitan Mr. Andreas on behalf of the High Priests present.

Afterwards, the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Petra Mr. Gerasimos took the floor and prayed on behalf of the archpriests, while the Reverend Pastor Mr. Andreas thanked the Archpriests for their presence, the clergy, laity and the...

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Αντώνης Παπαγεωργίου

I think about how long it took to transport the holy relics from Toplou to Arkalochori. It always makes me happy that the sacred objects come to our villages.

Petr Novák

Thank you for mentioning Τοπλού, Αντώνη. It always amazes me how they bring the remains of St. Anastasia and St. Charles with such care from so far away. Ο Μητροπολίτης Ανδρέας φανηκε να χαίρεται πολύμεν την προσείνεις

Πέτρος Λαμπρόπουλος

Yes, the route from Toplou to Arkalochori is full of twists and turns, it definitely took more than three hours with care. I am also happy that they bring the relics to our villages, I remember last year in my village when Agios Charalambos came and the square was full. However, the crowd that gathered this year was impressive.

Χριστίνα Νικολαΐδου

Good thing they brought them from Toplou with so much care, the road does have many turns. I remember last year when my daughter and I went to Arkalochori for vespers, the church was full of people just like this year. Metropolitan Andreas seemed to be very happy with the presence of Gerasimos and the other high priests.

Daniel Procházka

Thanks for mentioning Topla, Petra. I also always like how carefully they transport the remains - I remember how I once saw a similar transport here in Prague and it was really moving. I agree that Metropolitan Andrei looked really happy.

Ελένη Χατζή

Yes, the transfer from Toplou must have been tiring, especially with the steps and bends. I remember last year when a relic came to our Agios Andreas in Patras, my daughter took me by car and I was happy to see people from the surrounding villages. Where did you watch it from, Antonis?

Ondřej Novák

Yes, Peter, they always bring the remains from Toplou with such care that you can see how important it is to them. I liked how Metropolitan Andrej then stood among all the bishops and looked really moved. Will you come again next time?

Jakub Svoboda

Thanks, Petra, for mentioning Topla. I always find it interesting how the local Igumen Ambrozios accompanies the relics himself - last year I saw something similar here in the East and it was nice. Will you come to Arkalochori for the holiday this year?

Γιώργος Βασιλείου

Yes, the route from Toplou is full of twists and turns, good that Ambrosios handled it with care. Last year I also went with my wife and our daughter, the church was indeed suffocating. Andreas seemed genuinely happy to see Gerasimos, it showed from the way he spoke afterwards.

Πέτρος Δημητρίου

Yes, the turns to Toplou are a real test, good that Ambrosios drove carefully. Last year when I went with my father, the church was so full that we were standing in the back. Andreas did seem to glow when Gerasimos spoke, their brotherly relationship was evident.