The Sacred Metropolis of Thera, Amorgos and the Islands solemnly celebrated the sacred memory of the patron and protectress of Santorini, the holy and glorious Great Martyr Irene.
This marks the first official celebration of Saint Irene as patron and protectress of Santorini following the publication of the relevant Presidential Decree (Government Gazette 160/A/18-9-2025), by which May 5 has been established as a local holiday for all schools and public services on the island.
The recognition of Saint Irene as patron saint highlights the island’s spiritual identity, especially since the very name “Santorini” derives from “Santa Irene.”
This official recognition strengthens the bond between the local community and Orthodox tradition, establishing a new annual celebration that is expected to become an important point of reference for both inhabitants and visitors alike.
The festive events took place at the Metropolitan Church of the Reception of the Savior (Ypapanti) in Thera.
On the eve of the feast, Monday, May 4, the Great Festal Vespers was celebrated, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Amphilochios of Thera, Amorgos and Islands, with the participation of clergy from the Archdiocese of Athens and the Metropolis of Drama, as well as all the parish priests of Santorini.
The homily was delivered by Archimandrite Dionysios Raptou of the Metropolis of Drama, who spoke about the timeless request for peace throughout the whole world. He reflected on the peace of Christ, the Giver of peace and Word of God, who blesses all peacemakers.
Immediately after Vespers, a grand procession (litany) took place with the holy icon and sacred relic of Saint Irene, led by the municipal philharmonic band of Thera.
On the main day of the feast, Tuesday, May 5, the Festal Divine Liturgy was celebrated, officiated by the shepherd of Santorini, His Eminence Metropolitan Amphilochios.
The sermon was delivered by Archimandrite Alexios Petridis of the Archdiocese of Athens, who, on the occasion of the establishment of Saint Irene as the patron saint of Santorini, spoke about the importance of a patron saint as a defender and protector of the faithful in both their moral and material well-being, and as a spiritual companion in the joys and trials of life.
Among those present at the celebration were Members of Parliament for the Cyclades Phillipos Fortomas and Markos Kafouros, the Mayor of Thera Nikolaos Zorzos, the Regional Governor of Thera Ioulia Karamolegkou, the Deputy Regional Governor for Health Haralambos Darzentas, along with other representatives of the South Aegean Region, municipal officials of Thera, representatives of the Santorini Air Force Readiness Center, the Port Authority of Thera, and the commander of the local police department.
Before the conclusion of the Eucharistic gathering, the Metropolitan blessed the festive offerings presented in honor of the Saint and expressed the wish that the Great Martyr and patron of Santorini may strengthen unity and spiritual progress for all, and intercede before the throne of God for peace and stability throughout the world and for the peaceful course of the Church.
This marks the first official celebration of Saint Irene as patron and protectress of Santorini following the publication of the relevant Presidential Decree (Government Gazette 160/A/18-9-2025), by which May 5 has been established as a local holiday for all schools and public services on the island.
The recognition of Saint Irene as patron saint highlights the island’s spiritual identity, especially since the very name “Santorini” derives from “Santa Irene.”
This official recognition strengthens the bond between the local community and Orthodox tradition, establishing a new annual celebration that is expected to become an important point of reference for both inhabitants and visitors alike.
The festive events took place at the Metropolitan Church of the Reception of the Savior (Ypapanti) in Thera.
On the eve of the feast, Monday, May 4, the Great Festal Vespers was celebrated, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Amphilochios of Thera, Amorgos and Islands, with the participation of clergy from the Archdiocese of Athens and the Metropolis of Drama, as well as all the parish priests of Santorini.
The homily was delivered by Archimandrite Dionysios Raptou of the Metropolis of Drama, who spoke about the timeless request for peace throughout the whole world. He reflected on the peace of Christ, the Giver of peace and Word of God, who blesses all peacemakers.
Immediately after Vespers, a grand procession (litany) took place with the holy icon and sacred relic of Saint Irene, led by the municipal philharmonic band of Thera.
On the main day of the feast, Tuesday, May 5, the Festal Divine Liturgy was celebrated, officiated by the shepherd of Santorini, His Eminence Metropolitan Amphilochios.
The sermon was delivered by Archimandrite Alexios Petridis of the Archdiocese of Athens, who, on the occasion of the establishment of Saint Irene as the patron saint of Santorini, spoke about the importance of a patron saint as a defender and protector of the faithful in both their moral and material well-being, and as a spiritual companion in the joys and trials of life.
Among those present at the celebration were Members of Parliament for the Cyclades Phillipos Fortomas and Markos Kafouros, the Mayor of Thera Nikolaos Zorzos, the Regional Governor of Thera Ioulia Karamolegkou, the Deputy Regional Governor for Health Haralambos Darzentas, along with other representatives of the South Aegean Region, municipal officials of Thera, representatives of the Santorini Air Force Readiness Center, the Port Authority of Thera, and the commander of the local police department.
Before the conclusion of the Eucharistic gathering, the Metropolitan blessed the festive offerings presented in honor of the Saint and expressed the wish that the Great Martyr and patron of Santorini may strengthen unity and spiritual progress for all, and intercede before the throne of God for peace and stability throughout the world and for the peaceful course of the Church.
