The Praises of the Epitaph of the Theotokos in the Holy Metropolitan Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos of Alexandriatranslated

In the solemn Holy Metropolitan Church of the Dormition of the Virgin of Alexandria, as every year, on the afternoon of Saturday, August 15, 2026, the Metheortius Solemn Vespers was celebrated and then the praises to the Most Holy Theotokos were chanted. The Polyhieratic Vespers was officiated by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Berea, Nausis and Campania, Mr. Panteleimon, who preached the divine word.

During the Solemn Vespers, fragments of the holy relics of Saint Demetrius of Myrovlytis, which are treasured in the Holy Monastery of Panagia Dobra, were placed in veneration, for the blessing of the faithful.

A Holy Litany of the Epitaph of the Virgin Mary followed in the streets of the city, with the participation of the local political and military authorities and a multitude of pious believers, while the ecclesiastical order was overseen by the Archdeacon of the Holy Metropolis, Archimandrite Dimitrios Baklagis.

In his speech, the Metropolitan of Berea, Naoussa and Campania Mr. Panteleimon highlighted the theological and spiritual message of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. He referred to the glory of the Virgin Mary, who, after her earthly life, moved to the heavens, emphasizing that the tomb of Theotokos is at the same time a reminder...