Athens, November 14, 2023
Photo: ekklisiaonline.gr
Thousands of Orthodox faithful came out to greet and venerable the precious skull of the great St. John Chrysostom as it was brought from its home at Vatopedi Monastery on Mt. Athos to Athens for the first time.
The holy relic, with the incorrupt ear of St. John which the Apostle Paul was seen speaking into, guiding the Holy Hierarch’s Scriptural understanding, was brought by Abbot Ephraim of Vatopedi to the Greek capital, where it was formally greeted by Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki, Bishop Philotheos of Rogoi, assistant bishop of the Archdiocese of Athens, and a host of clergy and laity, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency.
The precious relic was then carried in procession to the Church of St. Eleftherios, where a doxology and Vespers were served. The skull will remain in this church until November 16, where the Liturgy will be served daily and the doors will remain open 24 hours a day to accommodate the thousands who are coming to venerate St. John.
Photo: ekklisiaonline.gr
“This whole event is a great blessing for the whole world, as we will welcome many people who will come from different parts of Greece and even from abroad. We were informed that Orthodox Christians will come from Serbia in buses to venerable the holy skull of St. John,” parish rector Protopresbyter Themistocles Christodoulou said.
The feast of St. John Chrysostom, celebrated on November 13, drew especially large crowds, with an All-Night Vigil on Sunday evening and Orthros and Liturgy on Monday morning.
The incorrupt ear of St. John Chrysostom. Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
Following the Liturgy, a procession with the skull was held throughout the streets around the church. The services and procession were broadcast live by Pemptousia TV:
After Athens, the precious relics will be taken to the Metropolis of Aetolia and Acarnania from November 16 to 19.
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