The Little Prayer to the Most Holy Theotokos in the Holy Church of Panagia Kotsyfiani Gra Lygia Ierapetratranslated

Amidst the oppressive atmosphere of the period of the Fifteenth of August and with the participation of many devout Christians of the region, the High Priestly Vespers and the Small Prayer Rule to the Most Holy Theotokos were celebrated on the afternoon of Friday, August 7, 2026, in the historic Holy Church of Panagia Kotsyfiani of the Parish of Gra Lygia, Ierapetra. The service was officiated by Rev. Metropolitan of Ierapytni and Sitia Mr. Kyrillos, who during the class blessed the offered breads and at the end preached the divine word on time.

In a clear and understandable way Rev. Mr. Kyrillos referred to the face, virtues and gifts of Theomitoros, noting that she is the "chosen one of all generations" to become an accomplice of God in the work of saving the whole world.

As His Eminence pointed out, after her Dormition and her glorious transition to the heavens, our Virgin Mary did not leave the world, but constantly prays to her Son and our Philanthropic God, to whom she has an irresistible motherly devotion.

He also spoke about the history of the church and the nickname "Kotsyfiani" due to the existence of many blackbirds in the area, noting that the church was built by...