Relics of St. Gregory Palamas Processed Through Thessaloniki During Great Lent

Photo: basilica.ro

THESSALONIKI — The relics of St. Gregory Palamas were carried in a solemn procession through the streets of Thessaloniki on the second Sunday of Great Lent, a day dedicated to the saint who defended hesychast spirituality.

The event began at the Metr. Cathedral of Thessaloniki, where the relics are normally preserved, following the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Metr. Markos of Chios, alongside Bp. Ioannis of Skiathos and Metr. Philotheos of Thessaloniki. Metr. Markos reflected on St. Gregory’s theological legacy and the joy of faithful able to venerate his relics, also commemorating the late Metr. Anthimos of Thessaloniki, who reposed on March 13, 2025.

Representatives of the Hellenic Parliament, armed forces, law enforcement, consular authorities, and local officials attended the procession. St. Gregory Palamas, canonised in 1368, systematised Hesychasm and is commemorated twice annually in the Orthodox calendar. Last year, his relics were brought to Iași, Romania for the feast of Parascheva, marking their first departure from Thessaloniki.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a bilingual edition of St. Gregory Palamas’ Triads launched a new SVS Press series.

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