Patras welcomed the Holy Icon of Panagia Pantanassi from the Vatopedi Shrine
04.11.2026
In a festive atmosphere, the clergy and people of the city of Patras had the great blessing of welcoming on the afternoon of Tuesday, November 3, 2026, the faithful copy of the Holy Icon of Panagia Pantanassi from the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi, as part of the "Protoklitis 2026" celebrations.
The Abbot of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi, Elder Ephraim, accompanied by the Fathers of Vatopedi, brought the Holy Icon to the Square in front of the Holy Church of Pantanassi, where it was welcomed by His Eminence Metropolitan of Patras, Mr. Chrysostomos, His Eminence Metropolitan of former Kalavryta, Mr. Ambrosios, His Eminence Bishop of Kernitsa, Mr. Chrysanthos, and a multitude of clergy and people. Then the Holy Icon was brought to the Holy Church to the sounds of joyful bells. Also present were members of parliament, representatives of the Army, the Security Forces and local authorities.
After the arrival and the deposition of the Holy Icon in the Church, an official Doxology was performed, while at the same time dozens of believers rushed to venerate it. After the Doxology, the address was given by His Eminence Metropolitan of Patras, Mr. Chrysostomos, who warmly welcomed the Abbot of the Holy Great Monastery of Vatopedi, Elder Ephraim. In his response, Elder Ephraim expressed his joy at once again being in Patras, emphasizing to His Eminence that he is the reason he became associated with the fullness of the local Church.
