With enthusiasm and the participation of a large number of believers from Greece and abroad, the fifteenth of August is celebrated again this year at the Holy Monastery of Panagia Sumela in Kastania, Imathia. The events started at 5 in the morning with Divine Liturgy in the Small Holy Church and Holy Communion of pilgrims.

They were followed by the Orthros and Solemn High Priestly Collector, pre-eminent of the Metropolitan of Berea, Naoussis and Campania, Panteleimonos. Subsequently, the exit of the holy icons, a memorial service and laying of wreaths on the bust of Alexander Ypsilantis took place.

The government was represented by the Deputy Minister of Rural Development and Food, Dionysis Stamenitis, the Parliament by the MP of Imathia Apostolos Vesyropoulos, while among others the ND MPs, Kostas Giulekas and Lazaros Tsavdaridis, the press representative of PASOK KINAL Thanasis Glavinas, the regional governor of Central Macedonia, Apostolos Tzitzikostas and the mayor of Thessaloniki, Konstantinos Zervas.

“It is with great feeling that we are here, in the cradle of Pontic Hellenism, to reverently commemorate this great day of Orthodoxy. A holiday that all Greeks celebrate with modesty but also with the magnificence that befits Megalochari. Here, from the heart of Macedonia, we send a message of unity and love to Hellenism everywhere. Happy birthday to all and with the hope that the wish of the Refugee Virgin Mary of the place guides us on the difficult paths that our country, the Greeks, has on the way to the future and the passage into historysaid Deputy Minister Mr. Stamenitis.

The regional governor Mr. Tzitzikostas, giving his wishes, underlined for his part: “Panagia Sumela is not only a center of reference for Central Macedonia, but for all Pontic Hellenism and Orthodoxy as a whole. Today becomes even more important if one considers that the bell of Panagia Sumela has been ringing in Trebizond for 13 years now. We, all together, united are sending a clear message. When Hellenism is united, when we are committed to the goals we set, we have nothing to fear. We have no obstacle and no difficulty that can bend us. And we always achieve our goals».

Mr. Zervas stated that “on this great day of Christianity, for many years I have been coming to worship Panagia Sumela. It has a special symbolism, that of the long tradition of Pontian Christianity in such a valuable part of Hellenism that was lost. In a piece of Hellenism that came persecuted and is located in the hospitable land of Macedonia».

In his statements about the celebration of the Fifteenth of August, Mr. Giulekas wished a “happy birthday” adding: “Great celebration today, may the Virgin cover, guard and protect our homeland in these difficult times”.

In Vermio, members of dance clubs were also present, honoring the Virgin of Pontia with their traditional costumes. The faithful will continue the pilgrimage to the icon of Panagia Sumela, which is a symbol of Pontic Hellenism and holy icons, while at 7 pm a solemn meteorth vesper will be celebrated.