Thousands Gather for Translation of St. George of Neapolis' Relics in Greece

NEA IONIA, GREECE — Thousands of faithful gathered on November 2 for the solemn translation of the relics of St. George of Neapolis to a newly built church dedicated to the saint within the Ionian Centre in Nea Ionia. The ceremony took place on the eve of his feast day, marking a historic occasion for the Metropolis of Nea Ionia, Philadelphia, Heraklion, and Chalkidona.

The relics had been kept for decades at the Church of St. Eustathios the Great Martyr in Perissos. They were brought from Asia Minor by the ancestors of local refugee families and have long served as an important spiritual link to their homeland.

Following the translation, a hierarchical Great Vespers was celebrated at the new church. Among those attending were Metr. Maximos of Ioannina, Metr. Makarios of Aneon, Abbot Alexios of Xenophontos Monastery on Mt. Athos, and Mt. Athos Governor Alkiviadis Stefanis, along with government officials and other dignitaries.

The first hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the church was scheduled for November 3, the saint's feast day, with President of Greece Konstantinos Tasoulas expected to attend.

The church is part of the Ionian Centre, a new complex combining religious, educational, cultural, and social facilities. Its buildings include a conference and youth cultural centre, a hospitality residence, a nursery school, a library, and recreational spaces. The project aims to preserve the heritage of Asia Minor refugees while expanding educational and social services in the region.

Previously, the UOJ reported Holy Cross welcomed the relics of Venerable Gerasimos of Abydos.