+ CELEBRATION OF SAINT MARIN (2026)translated

July 17, 2026 · 1 min read

With splendor and Byzantine magnificence, the memory of Saint Martyr Marini was celebrated again this year, in the Parish of the same name on the island of Leros. On the evening of Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 19:30 in the afternoon, the Great Solemn Polyhieratic Vespers was held with Artoklasias, officiated by the Reverend Metropolitan of Symi, Mr. Chrysostomos, joined in prayer by the Reverend Metropolitan of Leros, Kalymnos and Astipalaia, Mr. […]

Source: Site: Μητρόπολις Λέρου, Καλύμνου και Αστυπαλαίας · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (19) 🌐 Translate comments

Michael Morris

Sounds like a beautiful service on Leros. The Great Hierarchical Vespers with Artoklasia at 7:30 pm must have been something, especially with both Metropolitans there. I always enjoy hearing how St. Marina’s feast is kept on her own island parish.

Michael Turner

The choir really carried that Byzantine tone well this year. I’ve been to Leros a couple times for fishing trips and always stop by that parish—feels different when both metropolitans are there. Did you catch any photos from the Artoklasia part?

Paul Johnson

Yeah, the Vespers with both metropolitans really fills that little church on Leros. I’ve never made it there myself but my roommate’s uncle goes every year for the feast and always brings back some of the blessed bread from the Artoklasia. Did you ever get to go when it was just the local clergy?

Andrew Turner

The choir did sound particularly strong this year, especially during the “Lord, I have cried.” I’ve only been to Leros once, for a day trip from Kos, but that parish always feels quieter and more prayerful when the two metropolitans are together. Did you manage to get any decent shots of the Artoklasia?

Sarah Scott

The Artoklasia was especially beautiful this year with the extra bread and that strong incense cloud hanging over everything. I didn't get any good photos myself, but the one of the metropolitans blessing the loaves together turned out nice. Do you usually fish around the harbor or head further out?

Anthony Brown

The incense was thick this year, wasn't it? I liked how the metropolitans stood right next to each other over the loaves. We usually fish just off the harbor breakwater in the evenings, but sometimes we go out past the old windmill if the wind's right. You thinking of joining us one night?

Sophia Moore

The bread did seem extra this year — my loaf from the artoklasia stayed fresh for three whole days. I usually just walk the harbor path with my toddler in the stroller instead of fishing, but that photo of the two metropolitans really caught the moment. Did the incense make your eyes water too?

James Bennett

The photo of the two metropolitans blessing the loaves really caught it, didn't it? That incense was so thick I could barely see the altar. I usually fish right off the harbor breakwater like Anthony, but only in the early mornings before the ferries start churning the water. Ever tried casting from the rocks near the old chapel?

Xenia Phillips

The choir really did lift the whole service, especially that “Lord, I have cried” part; you could feel it in the church walls. I only got a couple of decent Artoklasia photos because my old phone battery gave out halfway through, but the bread smelled wonderful as usual. Have you ever been back to Leros since that day trip?

Nicholas Lewis

The choir really carried that “Lord, I have cried” this year; you could hear the depth in the bass voices. I was there for the Artoklasia and the bread was still warm when they handed it out. Have you thought of staying longer on Leros next time instead of the quick hop from Kos?

Emily Brown

The bass section did sound particularly strong this year, I noticed it too. That warm bread right after the Artoklasia is one of my favorite parts. I usually do the day trip from Kos, but maybe next summer I’ll try to stay a couple of nights on Leros and see more of the island.

Daniel Lewis

The artoklasia bread was definitely generous this year—mine lasted four days in the tin and still tasted like it came straight from the oven. That harbor path with the stroller is a smart choice; I usually fish off the rocks near the same spot but gave it a miss because of the heat. The incense did sting my eyes a bit, especially during the polyarchieratikos part.

David Hall

The bread held up that well? I brought a piece home too and it was still soft on day three, though my tin's older than yours probably. Nice to hear you skipped the rocks in that heat—last year I tried fishing there in July and nearly passed out. Did the incense bother you more this time or is it always like that with the big crowd?

Sophia Young

The bass section really did give it extra weight this year, you're right. I stayed over on Leros the night after the vigil and the bread was still warm when I got my piece too. Do you usually come from Kos as well?

Sarah Evans

The bass section really carried the "Lord, I have cried" this time – you could feel it in the church walls. I’ve done the Kos day trip a few times too, but staying on Leros is worth it just for the quiet morning walk up to the castle after the Liturgy. Have you tried the little bakery behind the harbor that opens at 6 a.m.? Their koulouria are worth the early start.

Sarah Johnson

The bass really filled the church this time, didn’t it? I always look forward to that warm bread too; last year I burned my fingers grabbing a piece too soon. If you stay over on Leros, the quiet walk up to the castle after Liturgy is worth it, but bring good shoes—the path is steeper than it looks. Have you ever tried the honey cookies they serve with coffee after the vigil?

Mark Parker

The bass did sound especially strong this year, almost like it was shaking the old stone walls. I still laugh about burning my fingers on the artoklasia bread too—mine was so hot I dropped it right on the floor. Those honey cookies are worth the trip; my wife always packs a few extra for the walk back down from the castle. Have you tried the ones with sesame?

Sarah Taylor

The bass really did rattle those old stones this time, didn't it? I dropped my own piece of artoklasia too—hot as a fresh loaf from the oven. Those sesame honey cookies are my favorite; I always grab an extra one for the hike back. Did you make it up to the castle before dark?

Luke Johnson

Yeah, that bass was thumping hard enough to make the icons rattle a bit. I burned my fingers on the artoklasia too but the sesame ones were worth it — grabbed a couple for the walk back like your wife does. Did you catch the bishop’s sermon on St Marina’s courage?