On Wednesday, 6 August 2025, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, representing His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, took part in the celebration of the Great Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord at the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Monastery of Saint Nikanor in Zavorda, Grevena, Greece. The feast was marked with an all-night vigil and culminated in the Divine Liturgy, during which Deacon Kallistratos was ordained into the Holy Priesthood.
The next day, Thursday, 7 August, Archbishop Nikitas presided at the Festal Hierarchical Great Vespers for the Monastery’s Patronal Feast of Saint Nikanor, together with His Eminence Metropolitan David of Grevena, joined by numerous clergy from the local Metropolis and neighbouring Dioceses. Earlier that day, the relics of Saint Dionysios of Olympus were solemnly received by the Abbot of the Monastery, Elder Maximos.
In accordance with the Monastery’s long-standing tradition and the wishes of Saint Nikanor, entrance to the main Monastery remains avaton.
Following the service, a monastic trapeza was offered. Elder Maximos expressed his joy at marking the tenth anniversary of the brotherhood’s ministry at Zavorda, recalling the challenges of its early days and giving thanks for the Monastery’s spiritual flourishing. He warmly praised the missionary work of Archbishop Nikitas. In his own remarks, Archbishop Nikitas reflected on the significance of the feast and the vital role of monasticism and spoke about the mission of the Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, encouraging prayers for new monastics and clergy.
The celebrations formed part of an all-night vigil, culminating on Friday, 8th August, with the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, presided over by Archbishop Nikitas, concelebrated by Metropolitan David of Grevena and His Grace Bishop Epiphanios of Olvia. The services were chanted beautifully by choirs from Greece, enriching the prayerful atmosphere of the feast.
During the Liturgy, the message of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was read by Elder Maximos, Abbot of the Monastery of Saint Dionysios of Olympus. The service also included the ordination to the Holy Priesthood of Deacon Eumenios.
At the conclusion, a procession was held around the katholikon of the Monastery, and the feast culminated with a festive meal in the monastic refectory.
Photo credit: Myrovlitis
