Maroneia, Greece, July 6, 2023
Photo: Romfea
The Orthodox faithful of the Greek village of Maroneia rejoiced on Tuesday to see the icon of their patron, the Great Martyr Charalambos, finally return after more than 100 years.
The clergy and faithful came out to greet the wonderworking icon, which was taken to Piraeus in 1913 due to the Bulgarian Occupation of the First Balkan Wars, reports Romfea.
Photo: Romfea
The icon was returned by boat by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Piraeus. After arriving at the port, the icon was then carried in procession to the central square of Maroneia where the official reception was held and prayers of thanksgiving were offered.
“The arrival of the icon of St. Charalambos today is an unexpectedly precious gift,” said Metropolitan Panteleimonos of Maroneia as he recalled how locals were forced to flee their homes in 1913.
Photo: Romfea
He also recalled a miracle that took place as the villagers were preparing to leave with their holy icon:
Before the departure, a series of miraculous events strengthened the faith of the besieged Maroneites and boosted their morale, according to stories that have been passed down to us. When the ship’s priest went to pray to the saint, he discovered that the icon was missing. The captain gathered passengers and crew on the deck and implored anyone who had taken the icon to confess. However, none of them had taken it. Something else had happened. By Divine inspiration, the priest returned to the church and, to the amazement of all, saw the icon in its place! He brought it back to the ship with emotion. The same thing happened the next day, and so he returned to the dock accompanied by sailors, to make sure everyone witnessed the miracle. Indeed, they found the icon in its place again! He humbly prayed, repented, and stretched out his hands reverently towards the icon. At that moment, a thunderous noise came from Heaven, as if the roof of the church collapsed. It was now evident that St. Charalambos would leave, but he would not abandon the Maroneia or its people.
Follow OrthoChristian on Twitter, Vkontakte, Telegram, WhatsApp, MeWe, and Gab!
