How Saint Irene Became the Patron Saint of the Greek Island of Santorini

In August 26-27 of 2024, the Permanent Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, during its meeting, approved the request of His Eminence Metropolitan Amphilochios of Thera, Amorgos, and Nisoi regarding the proclamation of Saint Irene, the Great Martyr, as the Patron Saint and Protectress of the island of Santorini. She is annually commemorated on May 5th.

The issue was also discussed in the Municipal Council of Thera, during the meeting of June 4th 2024, at the suggestion of the Mayor of Thera, Nikos Zorzos, who brought to the attention of the people a document from the Sacred Metropolis of Thera, which stated the following:

"Strogili, Kallisti and Thera were the ancient names of our island of Santorini. The name Santorini was established during the era of the Frankish Crusaders, and comes from the magnificent early Christian three-aisled basilica of Saint Irene (Santa Irini) in Perissa, the ruins of which were discovered in 1992. The basilica of Saint Irene in question was discovered under a ruined Middle Byzantine era church of the 8th/9th century, also dedicated to the Saint and is one of the most remarkable monuments of the Cyclades. It is noteworthy, in fact, that apart from these two churches, the Early Christian and the Middle Byzantine, at the location of Chones in Emporeio there is also a third Middle Byzantine church of the 9th century dedicated to the Holy Great Martyr.

The dedication of three monumental churches to the Early Christian, Saint Irene, from whom the island of Santorini essentially took its name, as well as others much later (in Kato Fira, in Messaria and elsewhere), demonstrates the reverence of the people of Thera towards the Saint, who is proposed to be established as the patron saint of the island, with the day of remembrance on May 5th of each year as an official day of universal celebration in Santorini.

Please request, if you agree, for the adoption of a relevant decision by your Municipal Council, so that the matter can be forwarded to the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece, for its consideration.”

 

Procession with the icon of St. Irene (May 5, 2025)

 

Following the relevant proposal of His Eminence Metropolitan Amphilochios of Thera, Amorgos, and Nisoi, and after a dialogical discussion, the Municipal Council unanimously decided to recommend to the Ministers of Interior and Finance the issuance of a Presidential Decree, by which:

1. Saint Irene is designated as the patron saint of the island of Santorini.

2. May 5 is established as a religious holiday for Santorini.

3. May 5 is designated as a holiday for all school units and services of Santorini, which may optionally take part in the religious events of celebration.

4. It is stipulated that the celebration events will include a general flag-raising from 8am of the previous day until sunset of the day of the celebration.

Procession with the icon of St. Irene (May 5, 2025)

It was also agreed that the decision of the Municipal Council be sent:

1. To the Ministers of Interior and Finance for the issuance of a Presidential Decree in accordance with the above.

2. To His Eminence Metropolitan Amphilochios of Thera, Amorgos, and Nisoi and through him to the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece.

The Permanent Holy Synod responded to the request of the Metropolis and thus Saint Irene is officially the Patron of Santorini with a day of celebration on May 5th. 

 

On May 5th 2025 was the first celebration of Saint Irene as the patron saint of Santorini, which was celebrated by the Metropolitan in the Metropolis Church of the Reception of the Savior in Fira.