On Wednesday, 8 July, a press conference was held at the offices of the Holy Metropolis of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, during which the co-organising authorities announced the programme of commemorative events for the current anniversary year, marking the 160th anniversary of the Holocaust of Arkadi and the heroic self-sacrifice of its defenders.
Participating in the press conference were:
His Eminence Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, Chairman of the Organising Committee for the 160th Anniversary Commemorations of the Arkadi Monastery Sacrifice;
Ms Mary Lioni, Deputy Regional Governor of the Regional Unit of Rethymno, representing the Region of Crete and the Regional Governor, Mr Stavros Arnaoutakis;
Mr Manos Tsakonas, Deputy Mayor for Culture of the Municipality of Rethymno, representing the Municipality and the Mayor of Rethymno, Mr Giorgis Marinakis; and
Archimandrite Theologos Papalevyzakis, Member of the Monastic Council of the Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of Arkadi, representing the Abbot of the Monastery, Archimandrite Titos Vamvakas.
Commemorative Events – July 2026
27 July 2026 – 5:00 pm
A commemorative ceremony marking the 160th anniversary of the Arkadi Monastery Self-Sacrifice will be held as part of the Annual General Assembly of the World Council of Cretans, at the Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of Arkadi.
28 July 2026 – From 9:00 am
A voluntary blood donation drive will take place at the Monastery of Arkadi, organised at the initiative of the “Kourites” Centre for Cultural Heritage, in cooperation with the Holy Metropolis of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, the Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of Arkadi, and the Rethymno Volunteer Blood Donors Association “Givers of Life.”
28 July 2026 – 8:00 p.m.
A musical performance presented by the Association of Artists of Agios Vasileios will be held in the grounds of the Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of Arkadi.