The Metropolis of Kaisariani, Vyronas and Ymittos made an announcement about the Church of Agios Dimitrios in Vyronas, where the icon of Panagia Parigoritissa was weeping.
The Metropolis stated that on the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos, on the 8th of September, at the time when the gospel was being read, the incoming parishioners noticed that the icon of Panagia Parigoritissa begun to weep. The same thing happened again in the following days and, therefore, believers came to the Church to venerate the icon of Panagia.
“According to the tradition of our Church, such ‘signs’ from the Lord concern the faithful and not the unfaithful. Believers need proof and rely on their faith which is expressed through their spiritual struggles. These are signs from God for the faithful,” the Metropolis stated.
It also stated that the event took place at the time of the celebration of the Divine Liturgy “when the Holy Spirit observes the place and with His presence blesses the congregation.”
“In the New Testament, there are many passages that refer to actions of God, which manifested themselves during the time of prayer (Transfiguration of our Lord, liberation of the Apostle Peter, the vision of the Apocalypse, etc.).
The day on which the event took place, that is the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos, is also a new sign from God. The Mother of God comforts and supports the faithful so that they remain steadfast in their faith.
The fact that the ‘sign’ manifested itself on the particular icon of Panagia “Parigoritissa” (Consolation) means that the Theotokos supports and comforts the faithful, as she comforted and supported the Apostles and other faithful of the early Christian communities when Christians were persecuted and imprisoned. The early Christian communities were gathering having Panagia in their minds. We pray that our Lord protects us in the current situation,” the Metropolis stated.