The feast of Panagia Vlaheraina in Corfutranslated

On Thursday, July 2, 2026, the feast of the Deposition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Blachernais, the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Corfu, Paxos and the Diapontian Islands Mr. Nektarios officiated and spoke at the celebratory Holy Church of Our Lady of Blacherna, in the suburb of Garitsa, in the city of Corfu. During the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence was flanked by clergy from neighboring parishes, the Administrative Head of the Holy Church, Protopresbyter Athanasios Kokkinopoulos, the vicar of the church, Father Raphael Xanthopoulos, as well as its Deacons. Before the start of the Divine Liturgy, the traditional procession of the Holy Icon of the Virgin Mary took place around the church. In addition, among those present at the Divine Liturgy was the head of the major opposition of the Municipality of Central Corfu and the Diapontian Islands, Mrs. Meropi Hydraiou. Furthermore, the participation of a European choir, which sang the hymns of the Divine Liturgy according to the local Corfu church musical tradition, added special splendor to the celebration.

His Eminence, during his speech to the large congregation, taking occasion from the prophetic word of the Psalmist, "Listen,...