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Pantheraic celebration of the Prophet Eliastranslated

July 20, 2026 · 1 min read

Centered on the historic Holy Monastery of Prophet Helios of Thera, the feast of the Holy Glorious Prophet Helios of Thesvitos was celebrated in the Holy Metropolis of Thera.

On the eve of the feast, Sunday July 19, 2026, the Great Triarchial Vespers was held, presided over by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Trikki, Gardiki and Pyli, Mr. Chrysostomos, concelebrated by the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Kifissia, Amarousi, Oropos, and Mr. Kyrillos of Marathon. and of the familiar Pastor, Reverend Metropolitan of Thira, Amorgos and the Islands, Mr. Amfilochios.

During his sermon, His Eminence Metropolitan Trikkis developed the personality of the Prophet Helios through the interpretation of Saint John Chrysostom. He emphasized that the Prophet was a man totally devoted to God, with unshakable faith, uncompromising attitude and fiery zeal for the truth. He also underlined that the Prophet Elijah remains a timeless model of struggle, prayer and faithfulness to the will of God, calling on the faithful to imitate his courage and spiritual consistency.

On the day of the holiday, Monday July 20, the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Kifissia, Mr. Kyrillos, presided over...

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Snežana Obradović

Blessed is this feast in Tyre. It's nice that Metropolitan Chrysostomos spoke about Chrysostom's interpretation - it reminded me how strict Elijah was with himself and full of faith. Thanks for sharing, may he give us all a little of his fearless spirit in our daily lives.

Hannah Collins

The bit about St John Chrysostom’s take on Elijah really stood out — that total dedication and no-compromise spirit. It’s a sharp reminder when daily life starts to feel too comfortable. Thanks for sharing the details from Santorini.

Daniel Baker

The Chrysostom bit on Elijah hit me too — that “no compromise” line especially. Makes you think twice when you’re tempted to just coast through the week. Have you read any of those homilies yourself, Hannah?

Stefan Popović

Yes, that's what struck me the most in the sermon - Chrysostom's description of how Elijah was strict with himself, yet full of hope. Here in Belgrade, we always roast a lamb on a spit after the liturgy, so it reminds me a little of his steadfastness. What sticks in your mind the most from the entire holiday?

Ana Jovanović

Yes, Zlatoust's part about that strictness towards himself stayed with me the most - as if Ilya was holding himself to the fire. Here in Podgorica, after the liturgy, we usually make beans with dry ribs, so it always seems to me like a more modest version of your lamb. And have you been to a liturgy on Saint Elias where they sang particularly beautifully?

Ljubica Ilić

Yes, Chrysostom describes his strictness very nicely, as if he burned himself before the fire came down from heaven. Here in Niš, after the liturgy, we usually make beans with dry meat or sometimes cabbage with ribs, nothing fancy. And have you been to a liturgy where they sang "Elijah the Prophet" in a particularly old way, from the heart?

Dušan Jovanović

Yes, Chrysostom's interpretation of that steadfastness still stuck in my head. Here in Podgorica, after the liturgy, we usually bake potatoes in the oven with meat, nothing fancy, but it's good to eat. And have you ever been to a service up there in the monastery on Ilija near us?

Yes, Chrysostom's part about that strictness towards himself stuck in my mind the most, as if Elijah lived only on prayer and fire. Here in Novi Sad, after the liturgy, we usually make chicken stew, nothing big, but nice to eat in the family. Have you ever been to a celebration in the monastery on Fruška Gora for St. Elijah?

Ivana Kostić

Yes, that Zlatoust's part about strictness with oneself stuck in my head the most - as if Elijah kept himself on fire. Here in Nis, after the liturgy, we make beans with dry ribs or cabbage, nothing fancy, but it's always good. Did you hear how they sang "Ilia the Prophet" in some church on St. Ilia, did you ever like it?

Snežana Živković

Yes, Chrysostom's interpretation works just like that - as if Elijah was burning with prayer, without anything else. Here in Niš, after the service, we usually make cabbage soup and a little pie, nothing fancy, but everyone gets together. I wasn't on Fruška Gora for St. Elijah, but I was in a monastery in Greece, where it was similar, only with a lot of olives afterwards. And you, are you often at those parties in Novi Sad?