The city of Ioannina marked the feast of its patron saint and protector, St. Neomartyr George, with great ecclesiastical splendor and deep reverence at the Holy Church dedicated to the saint.
On January 17, 2025, Metropolitan Maximos of Ioannina presided over the Festive Hierarchical Co-liturgy, accompanied by Bishop Apostolos of Tanagra. The celebration drew a large congregation, including the Regional Governor of Epirus, the Mayor of Ioannina, representatives from Municipal and Local Communities, as well as members of the Military Authorities and Security Forces.
During the service, Metropolitan Maximos delivered a heartfelt sermon. He highlighted the lives and virtues of St. Anthony the Great and St. Neomartyr George, emphasizing the importance of honoring saints and martyrs in the Church. He urged the faithful to follow their example as a guide in their Christian lives.
Following the liturgy, a grand procession of the Holy Relics of St. George took place through the main streets of Ioannina, drawing the participation of clergy, officials, and citizens. The procession concluded at the Holy Metropolitan Church of St. Athanasius, where the relics were ceremoniously deposited.
In his concluding remarks, Metropolitan Maximos expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Apostolos, the clergy, chanters, military and political representatives, and the faithful for their presence and contributions to the celebration.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
