Kato Sychaina, Greece, August 14, 2025
Photo: vimaorthodoxias.gr
The relics of St. Gervasios (Paraskevopoulos) in Kato Sychaina, near Patras, Greece, survived a devastating wildfire that swept through the region on Wednesday, with clergy describing the preservation as a miracle.
The Holy Shrine of St. Gervasios, which houses his sacred relics and tomb within the Church of St. Paraskevi, found itself completely surrounded by flames as uncontrolled wildfires raged through the Achaia region, threatening homes and businesses less than six miles from Patras, reports Vima Orthodoxias.
Fr. Gervasios, the monastery’s supervisor, described the dramatic moments to Greek broadcaster MEGA: “As soon as we saw the fire approaching, we left the relics and the monastery. We couldn’t return. The wind’s fury was so strong that we couldn’t do anything. We tried to help the firefighters.”
Despite the dire situation, the monastery emerged unscathed in what Fr. Gervasios called “a great miracle.”
“The fire passed through the monastery. Everything around was burning, but nothing burned inside the monastery, not even the pine trees of the camp,” he told reporters.
According to local reports, flames completely encircled the shrine while ground and aerial firefighting units worked continuously to prevent total destruction. The immediate mobilization reflected the site’s importance as a landmark for the local community and faithful throughout Greece.
The aftermath presents a stark contrast: ash and burned trees surround the sacred site, but the monastery’s interior remains intact. Believers are attributing the preservation to the protection of St. Gervasios, who was canonized in November 2023, calling it a living miracle that has given strength to those on the front lines battling the fire.
Despite the temporary reprieve, the area remains on high alert as strong winds could reignite hotspots. Authorities are calling for vigilance while residents and clergy continue their prayers, hoping the threat will be permanently removed.
The wildfire has placed not only the Fire Department but also local residents on highest alert, with homes and businesses engulfed in flames throughout the broader region. Aerial units have been operating since early Wednesday morning to combat the blaze, with immediate threats to factories and residences near the fire front.
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Photo: johnsanidopoulos.com
St. Gervasios is one of the most prominent religious and cultural figures in the 20th-century history of Patras. He reposed in the Lord 55 years ago in 1964.
According to biographical information provided by the Basilica News Agency, the beloved pastor was born in the village of Nymphasia on January 1, 1877. Having strong faith from childhood, he entered the novitiate at the Holy Dormition-Kernitsa Monastery at the age of 13.
In 1897, he arrived at the Monastery of the Dormition-Girokomeio in Patras, where he remained until the end of his life. He was tonsured as a monk at the age of 26. In 1905, he graduated from the Rizarios Seminary, where he became a spiritual child of the great St. Nektarios of Aegina. He was ordained as a priest at the age of 33, and four years later he defended his doctoral thesis at the Faculty of Theology.
He served as a chaplain during the Balkan Wars in 1912-1913. After the Asia Minor catastrophe of 1922, Fr. Gervasios stood closely with the 7,000 refugees who settled in Patras.
His philanthropic activity, his gentle presence, and his self-sacrificial and untiring ministry made Elder Gervasios a true model of a cleric and Christian. He was instrumental in reviving the Orthodox life among young and old, especially through his catechetical schools.
He reposed in the Lord on June 30, 1964 at the age of 87. At his burial, the people zealously proclaimed him a saint, as they did again at the translation of his relics in 2014, which are now housed at the Church of St. Paraskevi at the Anaplastiki School in Patras, founded by Elder Gervasios.
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