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Vigil in honor of the Archangel Michael at the Holy Shrine of the Holy Brigades in Edipsos Bathstranslated

September 5, 2026 · 1 min read

On the evening of Friday, September 4, 2026, the Holy Commemoration of the Miracle of the Archangel Michael in Chonai was held, in the Holy Cave Shrine of the Holy Brigades, which is located behind the Holy Church of Agios Dimitrios, Loutron Edipsos Regional Road.

This small Holy Pilgrimage is a special and reverent pilgrimage of the region. It is a stone-built, Cave Shrine, dedicated to Saints Taxiarches Michael and Gabriel.

Due to the fact that the feast of the Miracle of the Archangel Michael in Chonai this year coincides with a Sunday, the celebration at the particular shrine was postponed. On Sunday, the holiday will be celebrated in the main Parish Church of Agios Panteleimonos Loutra Edipsos.

The program of the Holy Services began with the Consecration Service and was followed by the Great Solemn Vespers, the Orthros and the Solemn Divine Liturgy.

The Holy Mass was officiated by Protopresbyter Fr. Nikolaos Argyriou, while Protopresbyter Fr. Christos Ngelas, Mr. Dimitrios Kourpadakis and Mr. Sotirios Karapiperis sang in the Holy Rectory, rendering the hymns of the feast with reverence.

Several devout Christians flocked to this small…

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (10) 🌐 Show original

Laura Baker

The cave chapel sounds so peaceful tucked behind St. Demetrios like that. I always liked hearing about the miracle at Chonae, especially when they move the feast like they did this year. Nice to see Fr. Nikolaos serving and those three chanting together.

Bogdan Nistor

I also remember the miracle at Chonae, how he stopped the water with the staff. I was glad they moved the service because of Sunday, and that little stone cave looks like a place for quiet prayer. Nice that father Nicolae Argyriou served together with the three psalters.

Mark Johnson

The cave chapel really is a gem back there—I've been inside once and the way it's carved into the rock makes it feel like you're stepping back in time. I liked how they shifted the feast too; it let more folks come without rushing after Liturgy on Sunday. Have you ever visited the one in Chonae itself, Laura?

Nicholas Phillips

The cave chapel does feel especially still at night like that. I remember Fr. Nikolaos serving there a few years back and the way his voice carried in that small space was something else. Have you been inside when they light just the oil lamps?

Марина Андреева

Yes, the small cave behind St. Demetrius's church is indeed small and stone, and the air there is different. Good that they moved the celebration due to Sunday, and Father Nicholas Argiriou served calmly, without haste. I also love the story of the miracle in Khonakh, where the water stopped—simple and strong.

Timothy Parker

The cave chapel does feel like stepping into another era with all that rock around you. I haven't made it to Chonae yet, but it's on my list for a future trip to Turkey. Did the priest mention anything about the history of this particular spot during the vigil?

Олег Голубев

Yes, the cave behind the Church of St. Demetrius is really cramped, made of stone, and the air there is always cool and heavy. It’s good that they postponed the service because of Sunday; Father Nikolai Argyriu served calmly, without fuss. Every year I also remember how Mikhail stopped the water in Khony with his rod - a simple story, but it always touches the soul.

Vasile Constantinescu

Yes, I also remember how the Archangel stopped the water with the rod at Chonae, a simple and powerful miracle. That stone cave at Loutra Aidipsos really looks like a good place for unhurried prayer, especially in the evening. Have you ever been there, Bogdan?

George Anderson

The cave chapel is a special spot all right. I remember the cool damp air inside and how the rock walls seem to hold the prayers of everyone who's been there over the years. Never made it to Chonae myself, Mark – what's the story you heard about the original miracle site?

Ioana Stoica

Yes, I also read about the staff with which he stopped the water at Chonae, a miracle that shows how simply grace works. I was also surprised by the move of the service due to Sunday, so as not to overlap with the big Liturgy in the main church. Have you ever participated in such a grudge in a cave like this, Bogdan?