St. Spyridon’s Relics Processed Through Corfu on Anniversary of Miracle

CORFU, GREECE — Thousands of faithful participated in the annual procession of the relics of St. Spyridon of Trimythous on Tuesday, commemorating the saint’s traditional miraculous intervention during the Ottoman siege of the island in 1716.

The procession formed part of celebrations marking the Aug. 11, 1716, victory, when Corfu was preserved from capture by Ottoman forces. Metr. Nektarios of Corfu, Paxos and the Diapontian Islands led the observances, joined by other metropolitans and clergy.

In July–August 1716, Ottoman forces besieged Corfu, which was then under Venetian rule. According to Orthodox tradition, the defenders and inhabitants of the island prayed fervently before the relics of St. Spyridon, whose incorrupt relics have been venerated in Corfu since the 15th century.

During the siege, the tradition says that St. Spyridon appeared miraculously to the Ottoman troops in the form of a monk carrying a torch. His appearance terrified the besiegers, who believed they were witnessing a supernatural event. A severe storm and other circumstances further contributed to the Ottoman withdrawal.

Government and local officials also attended, including Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Stefanos Gikas, Ionian Islands Regional Governor Ioannis Trepeklis, mayors, members of Parliament, military and police representatives, and other authorities. The Archbishop of the Roman Catholics in Corfu also participated.

Prayers were offered at the shrine before the procession, with additional prayers at the entrance to the old fortress and at the palace. Metr. Nektarios described the procession as a continuation of Corfu’s inherited tradition and called on St. Spyridon to preserve the faith and strengthen the people. Vespers and an all-night vigil are continuing as pilgrims venerate the saint’s relics.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Hawaiian myrrh-streaming icon blessed patients at a Sofia hospital.