On the evening of Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Alexandroupolis, Greece, witnessed the revival of the ancient Byzantine feast of the Procession of the Holy Cross. This celebration, rooted in the Byzantine rite, commemorates the solemn procession of the Holy Cross from the Palace through the districts of Constantinople to bless its faithful inhabitants.
Through meticulous preparation, effective planning, and comprehensive community outreach via leaflets, posters, radio spots, and social media, the event saw significant participation. The combined efforts of local authorities, volunteers, individuals, and associations facilitated the procession, which covered a route of almost 10 kilometers (approximately 6.21 miles) and lasted over three hours, passing through nearly all the parishes of Alexandroupolis.
The festivities began on the afternoon of July 31 with Vespers and a sanctification service at the Metropolitan Church of St. Nicholas. Following this, the procession commenced with a special prayer read by the Metropolitan. Chanting hymns of the Cross, the participants moved from the Metropolitan Church to the neighboring Church of St. Eleftherios, where the priests and congregation awaited with banners.
The route was coordinated by Greek Police motorcyclists and volunteers from the Motorcyclists’ Association. At the head of the procession were boys from the Metropolis Camps, carrying lit torches. Volunteer rescuers from the local branch of the Hellenic Rescue Team also played a crucial role.
In each church along the route, such as the Church of St. Eleftherios and the Church of St. Nektarios, the Metropolitan blessed the congregation and sanctified water with the Holy Cross, accompanied by the chanting of relevant hymns. Remarkably, the Muslim community in the area showed great respect as the Holy Cross passed.
The procession continued to significant landmarks, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, Altinalmazis Park, the Camp “ZISI,” the underground church of Panagia Stratigissa, and the wooden Chapel of St. John the Russian. It then proceeded through the Street of the Holy Five New Martyrs to the Church of St. Basil in Kallithea, where parishioners and associations awaited.
As the procession moved to the Church of Saint Kyriaki, more priests and people joined. Passing through the coastal avenue, the procession drew the attention of many foreign tourists, who captured the unique event on their mobile phones. In front of the 12th Infantry Division of the Hellenic Army, a prayer was offered to the Holy Cross before the procession returned to the Metropolitan Church of St. Nicholas.
Concluding after more than three hours, the Metropolitan blessed the crowd, wishing them well for their participation. The Divine Liturgy continued until just before 1:00 AM, with attendees paying their respects to the Holy Cross and many partaking in Holy Communion.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
