With deep reverence and spiritual joy, the Holy Church celebrated today, Saturday, August 23rd, the Leave-taking of the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, the Mother of Life.

The Matins and the Divine Liturgy with the Artoklasia were celebrated, concelebrated by Fr. Theodoros Georgakopoulos and Fr. Georgios Strouboukis. The faithful prayerfully participated in the Divine Eucharist, where “the Body and Blood of Christ are offered for the remission of sins and for life everlasting.”

At the holy chant stand, Mr. Alekos Glaveras, Theodosis Bilianos, and Chrysanthos Dimitropoulos adorned the services with their voices, offering hymns of praise to the Theotokos, “who has passed over to life, being the Mother of Life.”

A great multitude of faithful filled the church, many of whom arrived on foot from Leontio and the surrounding villages, while others came on horseback, keeping a devout and long-standing tradition. At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a solemn procession of the Holy Icon of the Theotokos took place, during which the horsemen reverently brought their horses to bow before the sacred image, in a moving expression of love and devotion to the Mother of the Lord.

The Most Holy Theotokos, “the hope and protection of the world,” continues to be the refuge and intercessor for the faithful, who call upon her with confidence, assured that “never is the Theotokos forsaking those who seek her protection.”

It is reminded that every Sunday the Divine Liturgy is celebrated in the Holy Church, inviting all the faithful to partake of the Body of Christ and to draw strength and blessing for their journey in life.