In an atmosphere of deep emotion and spiritual joy, on the evening of 15 October 2025, a solemn ceremony took place in Thessaloniki, in front of the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace, for the reception of the holy icon of the Panagia Faneromeni “Vathyrryakos”, brought from the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni Vathyrryakos of the Holy Metropolis of Maroneia and Komotini.
The sacred and grace-bearing icon of the Theotokos was brought to Thessaloniki by His Eminence Metropolitan Panteleimon of Maroneia and Komotini, leading the clergy and pious faithful of Komotini, and was received by His Eminence Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki, together with the local clergy, officials, and devout Christians of the city.
After the reception, the clergy and the people, in a liturgical procession, escorted the holy icon of the Mother of God to the pilgrimage church of Saint Dimitrios the Patron of Thessaloniki, where an official Doxology was celebrated, presided over by Metropolitan Panteleimon of Maroneia and Komotini.
The ceremony was attended by government officials and city authorities, including the Minister of Macedonia and Thrace, Mr. Kyriakos Gioulekas, representatives of local government and the armed forces, and a large number of faithful Christians who came to venerate the holy icon and receive the blessing of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Metropolitan Philotheos warmly welcomed Metropolitan Panteleimon and the clergy accompanying him, expressing the joy and emotion of the clergy and the faithful of Thessaloniki for the arrival of the sacred and revered icon.
In his response, Metropolitan Panteleimon of Maroneia and Komotini expressed his gratitude for the invitation and hospitality, and gave a detailed account of the history of the wonder-working icon of Panagia Faneromeni, as well as the miraculous manifestation of the Theotokos, which is associated with the liberation of the city of Komotini.
Following this, a Hierarchical Vespers was celebrated, presided over by Metropolitan Panteleimon.
The holy icon will remain in Thessaloniki until 2 November for veneration, as part of the festive celebrations of Saint Dimitrios, the Patron Saint of the city.
