On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, representing the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, participated in the celebration of the Great Feast of the Transfiguration of the Saviour at the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of Saint Nikanor in Zavorda, Grevena. The feast was preceded by an all-night vigil and culminated with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, during which Deacon Callistratos was ordained to the Holy Priesthood.
On the following day, Thursday, August 7, Archbishop Nikitas presided at the Festal Hierarchical Vespers in honor of Saint Nikanor, together with Metropolitan David of Grevena, and with the participation of numerous clergy from the local Metropolis and neighboring dioceses. Earlier that same day, the holy relics of Saint Dionysios of Olympus were solemnly received by the Monastery’s Abbot, Elder Maximos. In keeping with the centuries-old tradition and the express wish of Saint Nikanor, the Monastery remains off-limits to women (avaton).
After the service, a festal monastic meal was offered. Abbot Maximos expressed his profound joy at the tenth anniversary of the brotherhood’s ministry in Zavorda, recalling the challenges of the early years and offering thanks for the spiritual flourishing of the Monastery. He also warmly praised the missionary work of Archbishop Nikitas. In his response, the Archbishop emphasized the significance of the feast and the vital role of monasticism, speaking also about the mission of the Holy Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain, and urging the faithful to pray for new monks and clergy.
The celebrations formed part of an all-night vigil, which reached its climax on Friday, August 8, with the celebration of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, presided over by Archbishop Nikitas, concelebrated by Metropolitan David of Grevena and Bishop Epiphaniy of Olvia (Church of Ukraine). The sacred services were rendered with exceptional beauty by choirs of chanters from Greece, lending the feast’s atmosphere of devotion a distinctive splendor.
During the Divine Liturgy, the message of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was read by the Monastery’s Abbot, Elder Maximos, and the ordination to the Holy Priesthood of Deacon Eumenios was celebrated.
At the conclusion, a procession took place around the Monastery’s Katholikon, and the feast concluded with a celebratory meal in the monastery’s guest hall.
Photographs: Myrovlytis
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
