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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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💬 Comments (8) 🌐 Show original

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.

Maria Florea

It's good that they brought the fragment from the relics of Saint Nectarius before the funeral and the laying of the foundation stone, that's how it should be. We also saw here in Timișoara how this work is done at the new church in the neighborhood, after a small part of the relics came. I hope the work goes quickly, because in Mani the churches fill up quickly.

Bojana Nikolić

It is good that they brought part of the relics of Saint Nektarios before the agiasmos and the laying of the stone, that is the order. Here in Kragujevac, when we were building the chapel in the port, we also first had the relics and then the blessing of the water. I hope they finish the church soon, Mani is a nice place.

Petar Nikolić

Yes, it is the order that the relics should be first, it gives the right foundation. Here in Belgrade, when we were building a small chapel for St. Basil, we also first brought in a piece of the relic and only then the agiasmos. I hope that the church in Selinitsa will spring up quickly, Mani is a really beautiful and harsh area, just for Saint Nektarios. Have you ever been there?

Lukas Weber

Yes, the blessing with the water in front of the foundation stone is really the right thing, it gives the whole building a solid beginning. We did the same thing here in Frankfurt when the small chapel next to the shop was expanded - first the reliquary was put in, then Agiasmos and the stone. Hopefully things will progress quickly in Selinitsa, Saint Nektarios fits well into this rough Mani area.

Билјана Николовска

It is good that they first brought the fragment of the relics of St. Nectarius before the agiasmos and the stone. This is how order is made, as others say. Here in Ohrid, when we built the chapel in the courtyard of the "St. Kliment" church, first relics, then water and stone - now it stands beautifully and peacefully.

Γιώργος Παπαγεωργίου

I agree Zoe, the relic piece added a special grace to the ceremony. I saw that the people had gathered quite a lot in Selinitsa, I hope that the foundations will not be too late because the area is really crying out for a place of prayer. Did you go to the Consecration?