Zakynthos, Greece, August 26, 2025
Thousands of faithful filled the streets of Zakynthos on August 24, for the annual procession of the holy relics of St. Dionysios, the island’s patron saint, marking 300 years since the transfer of his relics from the Strofades Monastery to Zakynthos.
The solemn procession began at 7:30 p.m. when the saint’s holy relics emerged from the Church of St. Dionysios, accompanied by the sounds of local philharmonic orchestras and choirs. The sacred relics were carried through the main streets of the city, beginning at the church, proceeding along Alexandrou Roma Street to Solomos Square, and returning via Lombardou Street, reports Ekklisia Online.
His Eminence Metropolitan Dionysios of Zakynthos led the procession, joined by Metropolitan Alexander of Nigeria, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Dodoni, Metropolitan Dimitrios of Kefallinia, Metropolitan Ioannis of Zambia, Metropolitan Theodoritos of Laodicea, Metropolitan Athanasios of Ileia, Metropolitan Apostolos of Militos, Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria, and Bishop Nifon of Acheloos.
Following the procession’s return to the church, a prayer service was held. Met. Dionysios of Zakynthos, in his address to the gathered faithful, characterized the procession as historic and particularly solemn, noting the 300th anniversary of the transfer of the saint’s relics from Strofades to Zakynthos in 1717.
The evening concluded with a display of fireworks illuminating the night sky over the island. The holy relics were then placed at the church entrance, where they will remain available for veneration by the faithful seeking the saint’s blessing.
St. Dionysios, known as the Saint of Forgiveness for pardoning his brother’s murderer, is celebrated twice annually in Zakynthos—on August 24, commemorating the transfer of his relics, and on December 17, marking his repose. The feast represents a profound spiritual experience that embraces every aspect of life on the island, uniting locals and visitors in a moment of deep connection with Zakynthos’s spiritual heritage.
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