On Sunday, 7 July 2024, the historic Church of Saint Nicholas of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Athens hosted the first-ever Synaxis of all the Saints of Crete. This celebration was established by a synodal decision of the Church in Crete and approved by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to be observed every first Sunday of July.
The initiative for this particular celebration came from the president, Mr. Georgios Vlatakis, and the Board of Directors of the historical association of Rethymno in Attica “TO ARKADI”, as part of the events commemorating the 200th anniversary of the miraculous martyrdom of the Four Holy New Martyrs of Rethymno (1824-2024).
His Eminence Metropolitan Theodoritos of Laodicea, along with His Grace Bishop Nikiforos of Amorion, presided over the Divine Liturgy, joined by other Clergymen and Hierodeacons. The holy relics of the Holy Four New Martyrs of Rethymno were welcomed for the first time with reverence and devotion.
The Church was filled with the presence of Crete, with individuals in Cretan costumes honoring all the Saints of Crete and the Holy Four New Martyrs of Rethymno.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the blessing of the five loaves (Artoklasia) and the Holy Kolliva of the Saints took place. Metropolitan Theodoritos expressed his gratitude for the celebration and distributed icons of the Saints of Crete and the Holy Four New Martyrs to the congregation.
After the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a Cretan meal was offered to all attendees in attendance.
Source: vema.com.au