Source: Father Justin's Blog
December 8, 2015
This year many hundreds of pilgrims came to the monastery for the feast of Saint Catherine. Bishop Theophylaktos represented the Patriarch of Jerusalem. Bishop Meletios and Bishop Nicholas represented the Patriarch of Alexandria. They were joined by clergy and pilgrims from Greece, Georgia, and Russia.
Bishop Meletios presided at vespers.
On the feast of Saint Catherine we bless special loaves imprinted with a seal depicting the saint. The loaves are flavoured with cinnamon and mastic. On the day they are baked, the whole monastery is filled with a subtle fragrance of cinnamon.
All of the lamps are lit.
The largest silver candelabra is lit during the singing of the doxology.
Bishop Theophylaktos took the first place for orthros and the celebration of the Divine Liturgy.
The service concluded with a procession of the relics of Saint Catherine around the church. Prayers were said at each of the four corners, that God would protect and bless the members of the community and all the pilgrims, and that he would hold in remembrance those who have gone to their rest.
