The feast of the Holy and Glorious Prophet Elijah was celebrated with great solemnity in Thessaloniki, centred on the city’s two historic churches dedicated to the Prophet: the Byzantine Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah in Ano Poli and the Parish Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah in Pylaia.
On the eve of the feast, Sunday, 19 July, a Festal Hierarchical Vespers was celebrated at the Parish Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah in Pylaia. The service was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida, Istiaia and Northern Sporades, concelebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Damaskinos of Velestino and the local hierarch, His Eminence Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki.
The homily was delivered by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida. Following Vespers, a solemn procession of the holy icon of the Prophet Elijah took place through the parish.
At the conclusion of the procession, Metropolitan Philotheos expressed his gratitude to the visiting hierarchs for honouring the feast with their presence. He also congratulated Fr Spyridon Karataidis, President of the Parish Council, together with his fellow clergy, Fr Theonas Pliantis, Fr Thomas Gallidis, and Fr Dimitrios Iosifidis, as well as the members of the parish councils, staff, volunteers, chanters and all those who contributed to the preparation and successful celebration of the feast.
At the same time, Festal Hierarchical Vespers was celebrated at the Byzantine Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah in the city, presided over by His Grace Bishop Nikodimos of Skopelos, with the participation of numerous clergy. Bishop Nikodimos also delivered the homily.
Following the service, a solemn procession of the holy icon of the Prophet took place with the participation of a military honour guard, the Military Band of the Supreme Military Command of the Interior and Islands (ASDHIM), and members of the Hellenic Red Cross.
On the feast day itself, Monday, 20 July, Festal Hierarchical Matins was celebrated at the Byzantine Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah, presided over by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida.
This was followed by a concelebrated Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, presided over by Metropolitan Chrysostomos, concelebrated by Bishop Nikodimos of Skopelos and Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki.
Also present in the sanctuary, offering prayers, was Metropolitan Damaskinos of Velestino. The homily during the Divine Liturgy was delivered by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Philotheos thanked the visiting hierarchs for their participation in this year’s celebrations. He also congratulated Fr Philoumenos Kosmadakis, President of the Parish Council, together with the members of the parish committees, volunteers and staff for their dedicated efforts in organising the annual feast.
Meanwhile, at the Parish Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah in Pylaia, a Festal Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was celebrated, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Athanasios of Sisanion and Siatista, with the participation of clergy, representatives of the local authorities, and a large congregation of faithful.
The homily was delivered by Metropolitan Athanasios of Sisanion and Siatista.
