Athens, May 5, 2023
Photo: vimaorthodoxias.gr
For the third day in a row, the Orthodox faithful of Athens and beyond are waiting hours to venerate one of the most beloved icons of the Most Holy Theotokos.
On Wednesday, the Axion Estin (It Is Truly Meet) Icon left the Holy Mountain, where it is housed in the Protaton Church in the administrative capital of Karyes, and taken to Athens. This is only the eighth time in history that the icon has left Mt. Athos.
The Icon was festively greeted by thousands on Wednesday night. The Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation will be open every day from 7 AM to midnight, with daily Liturgy, throughout the two weeks that the Icon will remain there.
But as the Greek media is reporting, the faithful are already lining up hours in advance for their chance to venerate the Panagia in her sacred Icon.
According to Ekklisia Online, 30 people enter the cathedral every 10 minutes.
“For the Panagia, I will wait until evening,” said one woman patiently waiting her to turn to venerate the Axion Estin Icon.
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