Overnight vigil was held at the Holy Monastery of Agia Skepis of Solan in Southern France, Metochion of Simonos Petros Monastery of Mount Athos, on the occasion of the Feast of the Dormition of Virgin Mary.
The Vigilance started at eight in the evening and ended at 12 noon the following day.
The Holy ceremonies and Holy Liturgy was precided by Bishop Maximos of Melitene, assisted by the Primate of Monastery of Simonos Petra of Mount Athos, Archimandrite Elissaios.
Bishop Maximos of Melitene conveyed the blessing of Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, and preached to the nuns and pilgrims for the celebration.
In his sermon, Maximos said, inter alia, that “Theotokos did not have to write works or preach the crowds to convey the word of Christ. With her eloquent silence she taught everyone. So we all continue to this day, having Theotokos as our patron and guide, we resort to it at every opportunity”.
The inauguration of the Holy Monastery will take place on October 13.