The Metropolis of Fokida states to be “shocked and in tears due to the unspeakable tragedy,” regarding the devastating fire that broke out last night at the monastery of Panagia Varnakova.
The fire completely destroyed the katholikon of the monastery which was being used, as well as the household icon of “Panagia Megalomata (the Large-Eyed Virgin), the Yiatrissa (the Healer), whose loving gaze turned and watched Her children wherever they walked, healing at the same time ‘many hard passions’ both in their soul and body,” as the announcement of the metropolis characteristically states.
The Metropolis of Fokida declares general mourning until August 14, “sympathizing with the ordeal of the deeply afflicted Holy Brotherhood of the monks,” and calls on the faithful to pray so that “the merciful God of prayer and philanthropy may prevent any further sorrow, danger, need and mourning for our entire nation.”
According to the Mayor of Dorida, George Kapetzonis, who spoke to ANA-MPA, “the holy icon of the Virgin Mary at the Monastery of Panagia Varnakova in Fokida was completely destroyed. There are only a few small remnants that the Archaeological Service will assess and submit its conclusion.”
As the mayor reported, “along with the icon, a copy of the Holy Gospel and other relics were destroyed while some of the faithful’s votive offerings have been saved.”
“Both the Metropolis and the monastery were hit hard,” said Metropolitan Theoktistos of Fokida, who was at the affected area from the outset. He expressed concern about the fact that the monastery “caught fire twice in three years without knowing where it came from” and added that “we thank the fire brigade who arrived immediately and prevented the worst.”
