Thousands Flood Naxos to Honor St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite

NAXOS, GREECE — Thousands of Orthodox faithful lined the streets of Naxos on July 14 as the island honored its patron saint, St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite, with a solemn procession that drew pilgrims from across Greece.

The day's observances began at the parish church dedicated to St. Nikodemos, where Vespers and a Paraklesis service were celebrated under the leadership of Bp. Bartholomaios of Keramon. Worshippers gathered in prayer before taking part in the island's annual festivities honoring one of Orthodoxy's most influential spiritual writers and teachers.

Following the services, the icon of St. Nikodemos was carried through the coastal streets of Chora in a grand procession. A relic of the saint and the revered skull of St. Arsenios of Paros were also borne in procession. Sailors from the Naval Observation Post of Naxos, officers of the Harbor Authority, and members of the National Guard carried the icon as clergy and faithful processed behind it. The event was led by Metr. Kallinikos of Paronaxia and attended by Metr. Georgios of Thebes, Levadeia and Aulis, Metr. Chrysostomos of Nikopolis and Preveza, Bp. Bartholomaios of Keramon, and Bp. Varnavas of Christoupolis.

The Hellenic Coast Guard band and the municipal band of Naxos provided music throughout the procession, which concluded at the Life-Giving Spring Cathedral with final prayers and a Paraklesis to the Most Holy Theotokos. Metr. Kallinikos thanked everyone involved in the celebration, saying the large turnout reflected the deep devotion to St. Nikodemos throughout the Aegean.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the Georgian pilgrimage marked 1,700 years of Christianity.