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Holy Vigil commemorating the arrival of the Holy Icon "Axion Estin" in Komotinitranslated

September 3, 2026 · 1 min read

This year marks 4 years since the historic and blessed arrival of the Ephesian Holy Icon of Mount Athos, the Most Holy Theotokos "Axion Esti" in the city of Komotini. In commemoration of this historical event, our Holy Metropolis establishes on the 6th of September of each year, a Holy Vigil in the Holy Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Theotokos. and invites the faithful to participate with reverence and a prayerful disposition to renew through common prayer the unsolved bond and love for the Spiritual Mother and Food of all of us.

As the Holy Metropolis announced, "The universal vision and desire of the Clergy and the People of the Metropolis that our Virgin Mary visit our place and bless the entry of Rhodope into the second century of free life, was expressed through the petition document of the Reverend Metropolitan of Maroneia and Komotini Mr. Panteleimonos to the Holy Epistasia of Mount Athos, which wholeheartedly approved the request.

With rapture and spiritual joy together, the faithful People of the Metropolis welcomed the Holy Icon of Our Lady on Tuesday, September 6, 2022. During the stay of the Holy Icon in the Holy Cathedral...

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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Irene Anderson

I remember reading about that first visit in 2022 — the whole cathedral was packed and you could feel the quiet expectation in the air. Four years already, and it’s good they’ve made the vigil a fixed date on the 6th of September. I’ll try to be there this year if my night shift allows.

Stephen Walker

I was there that evening in 2022 too, Irene — the queue stretched halfway down the square and nobody seemed to mind the wait. Good they settled on the fixed 6th September date; it helps us plan around work and family. Hope your shift works out this year.

Grace Thomas

I remember that packed cathedral too, Irene — the way everyone stood so still, like they didn’t want to miss a single moment. Four years on and it still feels recent. What time does your shift usually finish? Maybe we could meet for a coffee after if you make it.

Hannah Adams

I remember that packed feeling too from the reports, Irene. Four years on and it still surprises me how one visit settled into an annual vigil so quickly. What time does your shift usually end?