On the morning of Sunday, 25 October, Matins was celebrated at the Holy Pilgrimage Church of Saint Dimitrios, Patron Saint of Thessaloniki, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Amphilochios of Thira, Amorgos and the Islands. This was followed by a concelebrated Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida, Istiaia and the Northern Sporades.
Concelebrating were Their Eminences Metropolitans Barnabas of Neapolis and Stavroupolis, Chrysostomos of Patras, Chrysostomos of Kyrenia, Chrysostomos of Nikopolis and Preveza, Stephanos of Philippi, Neapolis and Thasos, Ieronymos of Larissa and Tyrnavos, and Amphilochios of Thira, Amorgos and the Islands; Their Graces Bishops Eirinaios of Rhegion, Christodoulos of Magnesia, Bartholomew of Brisbane, Niphon of Majunga and Northern Madagascar, and Christodoulos of Neochorion; the local Hierarch, His Eminence Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki; and numerous priests and deacons.
The magnificent Church of the Patron Saint was filled not only with large numbers of faithful from Thessaloniki, but also with many pilgrims from various regions of Greece and neighbouring countries, who had gathered to honour the Holy Great Martyr, the ever-vigilant guardian of the city, and to receive his grace and blessing.
The homily was delivered by His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida, who spoke about the life and person of the Saint being honoured.
Before the dismissal, the local Hierarch, His Eminence Metropolitan Philotheos, thanked the Hierarchs for their presence, through which they added splendour to the celebrations honouring the Saint of Thessaloniki. He also expressed his gratitude to the clergy and the devout faithful.
Subsequently, at approximately 11.30 am, the sacred procession commenced with due honour and solemnity, carrying the wonderworking holy Icon of Panagia “Chozoviotissa”, which had arrived from the venerable monastery of the same name within the Holy Metropolis of Thira, together with the holy Icon and sacred Relics of Saint Dimitrios.
The sacred procession was led by His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida, Istiaia and the Northern Sporades.
Participating were Their Eminences Metropolitans Barnabas of Neapolis and Stavroupolis, Chrysostomos of Patras, Chrysostomos of Kyrenia, Chrysostomos of Nikopolis and Preveza, Ioustinos of Nea Krini and Kalamaria, Stephanos of Philippi, Neapolis and Thasos, Ieronymos of Larissa and Tyrnavos, and Amphilochios of Thira, Amorgos and the Islands.
Also participating were Their Graces Bishops Nikiforos of Amorion, Eirinaios of Rhegion, Christodoulos of Magnesia, Bartholomew of Brisbane, Niphon of Majunga and Northern Madagascar, and Christodoulos of Neochorion; the local Hierarch, His Eminence Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki; numerous clergy; and a great multitude of faithful from Thessaloniki and fellow Orthodox Christians from the Balkan countries.
Representatives of the Hellenic Parliament, the Armed Forces, the security services, local government and other organisations of the city were also present at the procession.
The procession passed through the central streets of Thessaloniki, accompanied by thousands of pilgrims, monks and nuns from the Holy Monasteries of the Metropolis, detachments of the Armed Forces, young schoolchildren, members of traditional dance associations dressed in traditional costumes, and members of Christian organisations.
The holy Icons and sacred Relics were placed on ceremonial carriages provided by the Hellenic Army.
The procession was also accompanied by the Hellenic Police Band, the Thessaloniki Municipal Philharmonic Band and, for the first time, the Limassol Municipal Philharmonic Band from Cyprus, an occasion which brought particular joy to the faithful of Thessaloniki.
