Cyril of Ierapytnis: Christ was the first to praise the role of women and make them equal to mentranslated

With outstanding splendor and with the participation of many believers from the wider area, the Grand Solemn High Priestly Vespers of the commemoration of Saint Martyr Marini the Athlete and Miracle Worker was celebrated on the afternoon of Thursday July 16, 2026 in the eponymous celebrating Holy Church of the Parish of Kalogera Ierapetra, which is located in a verdant and idyllic natural environment on the provincial road Gra Lygia-Kalogera.

The service was officiated by Rev. Metropolitan of Ierapytni and Sitia Mr. Kyrillos, who at the end blessed the breads and preached the divine word on time in the forecourt of the celebrating church.

With eloquence Rev. Mr. Kyrillos referred to the virtues, steadfast faith, wisdom and incomparable bravery of Saint Marina who, at the age of just fifteen, displayed before the pagan Prefect Olybrios, who was pressuring her to deny her Bridegroom Christ and become his wife, resulting in her miraculous martyrdom and her beheading.

He also specifically spoke about the position of women in the Orthodox Church and noted that Christ was the first to praise the role of women and made them equal to men in...