Holy Cross Welcomes Relics of Gerasimos of Abydos

BROOKLINE, MA — Hundreds of faithful gathered at Hellenic College Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology on October 10, 2026, for the historic translation of the relics of Gerasimos, Bishop of Abydos. The ceremony, presided over by Abp. Elpidophoros of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and joined by Metr. Savas of Pittsburgh, brought the relics from the hierarch’s gravesite into Holy Cross Chapel for public veneration for the first time.

The observance coincided with what would have been Bp. Gerasimos’ 116th birthday, more than 30 years after his repose on June 12, 1995. Before the ceremony, clergy, former students, and seminarians gathered for a panel discussion recalling his ministry as a Scripture professor, spiritual father, and mentor whose example continues to shape generations of Orthodox Christians.

Following memorial prayers at his gravesite, the relics were transferred to the chapel, where Abp. Elpidophoros and Metr. Savas, assisted by clergy who had known the hierarch, vested them in new hierarchical vestments. A solemn procession followed, culminating in the faithful’s opportunity to venerate the relics.

Abp. Elpidophoros described the event through Christ’s image of a lamp brought into the light, declaring that Bishop Gerasimos’ spiritual legacy had never been extinguished. The observance represents a local recognition of his holiness, not a formal canonization, which remains the prerogative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Ecumenical Patriarchate welcomed the Greece-Bulgaria agreement on the return of relics.