High Priestly Vespers of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on High 1020translated

On the afternoon of Sunday, September 13, 2026, the Vespers of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was celebrated in the Holy Naidrio of the Transfiguration of the Savior, at Hill 1020 in Florina. The service was officiated by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Floris, Prespa and Eordaia, Mr. Irenaios. They were attended by the Member of Parliament P.E. Florina, Mr. Stavros Papasotiriou, the Mayor of Florina, Mr. Vasilios Giannakis, the Fire Department Commander of the Prefecture of Florina, Fire Chief Mr. Stavros Kapellaridis, representatives of the local authorities, as well as a large number of pilgrims.

During his speech, our Metropolitan referred to the deeper meaning of the holiday, stressing that the Cross of Christ reveals to man a different way of life. True elevation is not found in projection and imposition, but in humility, sacrifice, forgiveness and love.

At the same time, he emphasized that man is called upon to fight every day to overcome his selfishness and passions, to rise above malice, anger and what keeps him spiritually low, having as a point of reference the Cross of Christ.

He also announced the maintenance of the large Cross that dominates Height 1020 and...