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Sitia: Memory of all the Saints who shined in Cretetranslated

July 6, 2026 · 1 min read

On Matthew 5 Sunday, July 5, 2026, the feast of all the Saints who shone in Crete, Rev. Metropolitan of Ierapytni and Sitia, Mr. Kyrillos officiated during the procession of Orthros and then officiated at the Holy Cathedral of Agia Aikaterini Sitia, where at the end he performed the holy memorial services for the repose of the souls of blessed Nikolaos Pathiakis (yearly) and Despina Sakkadakis (forty-four days).

In his sermon Rev. Mr. Kyrillos, immediately after reading the holy gospel, analyzed the gospel passage of the day, noting among other things: "Today's gospel passage shows us the power of Christ over evil. The demon-possessed of Gergesen live in fear, loneliness and destruction, but the Lord frees them and gives them peace and dignity again.

It also teaches us that evil and demonic forces are not a myth, but a reality; but they should not become a fear, a curiosity, or a morbid preoccupation. In our time, many are seduced by a demonology full of terror, fantasies, superstitions, magic and non-existent stories, which darken the soul and distance them from true faith.

THE…

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💬 Comments (12) 🌐 Show original

Ірина Шевченко

Μνήμη αιωνία στον Νικόλαο Παθιάκη και στη Δέσποινα Σακκαδάκη. Ο δεσπότης Κυριλλος said it very correctly, the evil is not παραμύθι, but there is no need to make it public or run to every "exorcist". Let us pray to the saints of Crete to keep us in logic and quiet faith.

Tomáš Baláž

Μνήμη αιωνία στον Νικόλαο και στη Δεσποινα. Ο δεσπότης Κύριλλος μίλησε πολύ στα ίσια για το Ευαγγέλιο των Γεργεσινών – evil is real, but we don't need to make it a hobby with stories and magic. Let's leave the saints of Crete to keep us in logic, as Irina also says.

Basil Young

Memory eternal to Nicholas Pathiakis and Despoina Sakkadaki. Bishop Kyrillos hit the nail on the head about the Gergesenes Gospel — the evil is real, but we don’t need to chase every scary story or “exorcist.” The saints of Crete kept people grounded; that’s what we need too.

Νίκος Αναγνώστου

Eternal memory to Nikolaos Pathiakis and Despina Sakkadakis. Despot Cyril said it right, evil is not a fairy tale but we don't need to make it a hobby with magic and horror stories. May the saints of Crete keep us sane, as they have always done.

Наталія Коваль

I agree with you, Irina. It is especially good that the bishop emphasized: it is not necessary to make a "profession" out of this and run after everyone who promises to cast out demons. It is better to stick to a simple prayer and the saints of Crete, as you say. What church do you come from in Sitia?

Andrei Constantinescu

Μνήμη αιωνία to Νικόλαο Παθιάκη and to Δέσποινα Σακκαδάκη. Ο δεσπότης Κύριλλος said it very correctly for του Γεργεσινούς – evil is real, but we don't need to make it a hobby with magic and stories that drive you crazy. The saints of Crete keep us sane, as always.

Νίκος Μιχαηλίδης

I agree Niko, the saints of Crete really keep our feet on the ground. I often think of Saint Nektarios who said to pay attention to simple prayer and not to fantasies. Do you have a specific example from Cretan saints that helped you with this?

Ксения Попова

Μνήμη αιωνία στον Νικόλαο Παθιάκη και στη Δέσποινα Σακκαδάκη. Ο δεσπότης Κύριλλος καλά το είπε για τους Γεργεσηνούς – το κακό είναι αληθινό, αλλά δεν χρειάζεται να το κάνουμε χόμπι με μαγείες και ιστορίες τρόμου. Οι άγιοι της Κρήτης μας κρατάνε σε λογική, όπως και ο Άγιος Νεκτάριος που αναφέρει ο Νίκος, αυτό μου μένει περισσότερο.

Тодор Кирилов

Μνήμη αιωνία στον Νικόλαο Παθιάκη και στη Δέσποινα Σακκαδάκη. Ο δεσπότης Κύριλλος said it very correctly για τους Γεργεσινούς – the evil is real, but we don't need to make it a hobby with magic and stories. The saints of Crete keep us with their feet on the ground, just as Saint John and Xenos return to the villages with a simple prayer.

Φωτεινή Σταθοπούλου

Yes Nico, Saint Nektarios said it right, simple prayer keeps things clean. Saint John the Hermit from the Holy Trinity, who lived away from noises and fantasies, has helped me a lot. How exactly did Saint Nektarios help you in your daily life?

Κώστας Παπαγεωργίου

Yes Fotini, simple prayer is the surest thing. Saint Nektarios helped me calm down when I was stressed about work and family, especially last year when the little one was sick. How exactly do you pray to Saint John the Hermit?

Методи Попов

I agree with you Todor. Well said about the saints of Crete - they keep us firmly on the ground, without unnecessary fantasies. And I remember how my grandfather told me about St. John Xenios, that he simply passed through the villages, read prayers and people calmed down. Eternal memory to Nikolaos and Despoina.