Zakynthos, Greece, December 18, 2025
Photo: ekklisiaonline.gr
The Greek island of Zakynthos began the multi-day observance of the feast of its patron saint, St. Dionysios, on Tuesday, December 16, highlighted by yesterday’s procession of the saint’s relics through the city streets.
The celebrations began on Tuesday afternoon at 5:00 PM with the formal descent of Metropolitan Dionysios of Zakynthos from the Holy Monastery of St. Dionysios to the cathedral, reports Vima Orthodoxias.
The Metropolitan was accompanied by representatives of local authorities and officials.
A doxology was celebrated inside the cathedral, followed by a procession of the venerable relics of St. Dionysios within the church. A philharmonic band played mournful music, creating an atmosphere of compunction. Crowds of faithful knelt in reverence to venerate the relics.
Following the procession, Great Vespers was celebrated, presided over by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messenia, with the concelebration of Metropolitan Athenagoras of Ilion, Acharnae and Petroupolis, Metropolitan Kyrillos of Kifissia, Amarousion, Oropos and Marathon, Metropolitan Ioannis of Zambia, Metropolitan Hieronymos of Larissa and Tyrnavos, and Metropolitan Dionysios of Zakynthos.
Photo: ekklisiaonline.gr
On Wednesday, December 17, a solemn Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the cathedral, again presided over by Met. Chrysostomos of Messenia with the same hierarchs concelebrating.
The centerpiece of the 3-day festival was yesterday’s procession through the city streets. Ekklisia Online describes the atmosphere during the procession:
This is a sacred ceremony that for centuries has been a point of reference for the place, uniting the generations through common memory and collective gratitude. St. Dionysios, a figure inseparably connected with the history and identity of the island, continues to inspire with his example of love, forgiveness and serenity.
During the procession, streets and neighborhoods fill with blessings and prayers. Homes and souls open, participating in a deeply experiential event that transcends time. The presence of the saint functions not only as a symbol of faith, but also as a constant reminder of a way of life based on meekness, humanity and forgiveness.
For Zakynthos, today is not simply festive. It is a moment of inner reflective silence, where the past, the present and the values that keep the island's society alive meet. St. Dionysios remains the moral and spiritual support of the place, a light that, as is believed, can overcome every darkness.
Following the procession, St. Dionysios’ relics were then placed in a shrine where they will remain for veneration until tomorrow.
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