Opening Nights of the Holy Chapel of Panagia "Kalamiotissis" and Agios Fanourios in the Tower of Santorinitranslated

On the afternoon of Sunday, September 6, 2026, the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Thira, Amorgos and the Islands, Mr. Amfilochios, performed the Thyranoixian service of the Holy Chapel of Panagia "Kalamiotissa" and Agios Fanourios in the Tower of Santorini. The Holy Church was built by the family of Mr. Spyridon Nomikos.

The name "Kalamiotissa" refers to Panagia "Kalamiotissa" of Anafi, who celebrates the Feast of the Birth of the Virgin. According to tradition, the holy icon of the Virgin Mary was found among reeds, a fact from which the specific name originated.

In his speech, His Holiness explained the meaning of the Thyranoixian procession and talked about what the church symbolizes for the Christian, as a place where people pray, participate in the devotional life of the Church and meet God.

Referring to the Most Holy Theotokos, he spoke of the face of the Virgin Mary as a "gate of joy", since through her Christ came into the world and with Him the hope and salvation of man.

At the same time, he referred to Saint Fanourios and the history of finding his holy icon in Rhodes, stressing that the presence of the Saint did not...