On the evening of Wednesday, July 31, 2024, Alexandroupolis, Greece, experienced the revival of the ancient Byzantine feast of the Procession of the Holy Cross. This celebration, deeply rooted in the Byzantine tradition, commemorates the solemn procession of the Holy Cross from the Palace through the districts of Constantinople to bless its faithful inhabitants.
The event saw significant participation thanks to meticulous preparation, effective planning, and extensive community outreach through various channels such as leaflets, posters, radio spots, and social media. Local authorities, volunteers, individuals, and associations all came together to facilitate the procession, covering a route of nearly 10 kilometers (approximately 6.21 miles) and lasting over three hours, passing through almost all the parishes of Alexandroupolis.
The festivities kicked off in the afternoon with Vespers and a sanctification service at the Metropolitan Church of St. Nicholas. The procession began with a special prayer led by the Metropolitan, with participants chanting hymns of the Cross as they made their way from the Metropolitan Church to the Church of St. Eleftherios, where priests and the congregation awaited with banners.
The route was carefully coordinated by Greek Police motorcyclists and volunteers from the Motorcyclists’ Association. Boys from the Metropolis Camps led the procession carrying lit torches, while volunteer rescuers from the local branch of the Hellenic Rescue Team provided crucial support.
At each church along the route, such as the Church of St. Eleftherios and the Church of St. Nektarios, the Metropolitan blessed the congregation and sanctified water with the Holy Cross, accompanied by the singing of relevant hymns. It was heartening to see the Muslim community in the area showing great respect as the Holy Cross passed by.
The procession made its way to significant landmarks including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, Altinalmazis Park, Camp “ZISI,” the underground church of Panagia Stratigissa, and the wooden Chapel of St. John the Russian. It then continued through the Street of the Holy Five New Martyrs to the Church of St. Basil in Kallithea, where parishioners and associations eagerly awaited.
As the procession proceeded to the Church of Saint Kyriaki, more priests and people joined in. Passing through the coastal avenue, the event caught the attention of many foreign tourists who captured the unique spectacle on their mobile phones. A prayer was offered to the Holy Cross in front of the 12th Infantry Division of the Hellenic Army before the procession returned to the Metropolitan Church of St. Nicholas.
After more than three hours, the Metropolitan concluded the event by blessing the crowd and expressing gratitude for their participation. The Divine Liturgy continued until just before 1:00 AM, with attendees paying their respects to the Holy Cross and many receiving Holy Communion.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
