A solemn co-celebation was performed on Thursday, January 29, 2026, in Trikala, marking the first official feast of the newly canonized Saint Dimitrios Gagastathis in his birthplace.
The festive Divine Liturgy took place at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Nicholas of Trikala, presided over by Athenagoras, Metropolitan of Kydonies, with concelebrants Platon, Metropolitan of Langadas, and Chrysostomos, Metropolitan of Trikki.
The liturgical celebrations began on Wednesday, January 28, in a spirit of restraint and deep emotion, due to the collective mourning prevailing in the local community following the tragic fire at the “Violanta” factory, which claimed the lives of five women workers. In this context, and as reported by local media, the reception of the holy relic of Saint Dimitrios took place at 6:00 p.m. Greek time at the forecourt of the Metropolitan Church. The relic was received by Metropolitan Chrysostomos, without festive celebations, as a sign of respect toward the victims of the recent tragedy.
This was followed by a three-hierarch Great Vespers, during which the Synodal Act of Canonization of Saint Dimitrios Gagastathis was solemnly read by Metropolitan Athenagoras, officially proclaiming the saint’s recognition by the Church.
The Holy Metropolis of Trikki, Gardiki and Pyli thus honored Saint Dimitrios for the first time in an official manner, following his canonization a few months ago by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Saint Dimitrios was a married and father of many children, who served selflessly as a presbyter in the village of Platanos, Trikala. He reposed in the Lord in 1975, leaving behind a living spiritual legacy marked by faith, humility, and sacrificial pastoral service.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menkytas
