With great solemnity and devotion, the city of Heraklion celebrated today the feast of St. Minas, its patron and protector. From the early morning hours, crowds of faithful filled the Metropolitan Church of St. Minas to attend the Divine Liturgy and pay their respects to the miraculous icon of the Saint.
The Festal Doxology was presided over by Archbishop of Crete Evgenios, in the presence of representatives of the Church, the Armed Forces, local and state authorities, and a large gathering of citizens.
“Crete is the island of Saints and those who look upon us,” the Archbishop said.
With words filled with emotion, faith, and pride, Archbishop Evgenios delivered a heartfelt and powerful sermon from the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Minas, during the citywide celebration of Heraklion’s patron saint.
The Archbishop spoke about the island and its people, highlighting Crete’s deep spiritual strength and historical mission: “This land fights for its ideals and is armed with spiritual power. Let those who see us differently remember this, Crete is the Crete of the Saints.”
The festivities culminated with the procession of the Saint’s holy icon through the streets of Heraklion, accompanied by prayers for peace, health, and prosperity, honoring St. Minas, who for centuries has been revered as the guardian and protector of the city.
Source: neakriti.gr, Photo: Nikos Chalkiadakis, Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
