With ecclesiastical splendour and deep reverence, the festive liturgical celebrations in honour of Saint Theodora, Queen and Patron Saint of Arta, were held on Wednesday, 11 March, at the Byzantine Holy Church dedicated to her in the city.
During Matins and the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, the service was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Andreas of Arkalochori, Kastelli and Viannos, with the prayerful participation of His Eminence Metropolitan Dimitrios of Kefallinia and His Eminence Metropolitan Kallinikos of Arta. The sermon was delivered by the Metropolitan of Arkalochori, who referred to the person of Saint Theodora, underlining her faith, patience, and humility, virtues that continually illuminate the path of the faithful.
This was followed by the procession of the Holy Relics and the Holy Icon of Saint Theodora through the streets of the city, with the participation of a large number of faithful and accompanied by philharmonic bands. Among those present at the celebration were the Secretary General for Vocational Education, Training, and Lifelong Learning, Ms Olga Kafetzopoulou, representing the Greek Government, as well as the Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff, Air Vice-Marshal Dimosthenis Grigoriadis. Representatives of local authorities and organisations, associations, school students, and philharmonic bands were also present, participating with respect and devotion in the celebrations in honour of the Patron Saint of the city of Arta.
Afterwards, a memorial service was held at the monument of the late Squadron Leader Anastasios Balatsoukas, in the Trigono area of Arta, where a wreath-laying ceremony also took place. During the ceremony, the Chief of the Hellenic Air Force General Staff delivered a greeting, referring to the memory and service of the late officer of the Hellenic Air Force.
The celebrations concluded with a musical concert by the Hellenic Air Force Philharmonic Orchestra, which took place in the square of the Metropolitan Church of Saint Dimitrios in Arta, offering a distinctive artistic closing to the feast of Saint Theodora.
The feast of Saint Theodora each year constitutes an important point of reference for Arta, as the Queen and Patron Saint of the city continues to inspire and guide its people through her example of faith, humility, and love.
