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Patriarch of Alexandria in Gytheio – Foundation stone was laid for the new Church of Saint Nektarios

September 7, 2026 · 1 min read

Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa visited Gytheio on Monday, September 7, 2026.

The Patriarch of Alexandria, accompanied by Metropolitan Chrysostomos III of Mani and Metropolitan Efstathios of Monemvasia and Sparta, arrived at the Episcopal Residence of Mani, where the reception of a fragment of the Holy Relic of Saint Nektarios the Wonderworker took place, followed by the start of the Doxology.

Upon completion of the Doxology, the Patriarch, the Holy Fathers, and the official guests proceeded to Selinitsa in Gytheio, where a Blessing of the Waters (Agiasmos) was held, and the foundation memorial stone of the new Holy Church of Saint Nektarios was laid.

The Patriarch was welcomed by local authorities and the people at the Episcopal Residence of Gytheio, the seat of the Holy Metropolis of Mani.

The visit also includes his presence at the religious services at the Holy Monastery of Panagia Giatrissa on September 7 and 8, 2026.

On Tuesday, September 8, in Areopoli, the Municipality of East Mani will officially proclaim him an Honorary Citizen.

It is recalled that the Patriarch was proclaimed an Honorary Citizen of Kalamata during the 2024 Feast…

Source: Orthodox Times · Read the full story →

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Степан Попов

It’s good that the relics of Saint Nektarios were brought to Gythio; now the new church in his honor will definitely be blessed. I wonder how they laid the stone - after the hagiasmos or before? In Samara, we also recently laid a stone in one parish, it was a necessary thing.

Ζωή Χατζή

Good that they brought the piece of the relic of Agios Nektarios to Gythio. Consecration before laying the foundation stone is the right thing to do, as is usually done. I hope the project will proceed quickly, the area still needs a church.