With great solemnity and the participation of a large number of faithful, the Apodosis (Leave-taking) of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos was celebrated on Sunday, 23 August 2026, at the Holy Monastery of Panagia Makellaria in Kalavryta.

The festal Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Ieronymos of Kalavryta and Aigialeia, joined by Archimandrite Fr Andreas Theodoratos of the Holy Metropolis of Patras, Protopresbyter Fr Georgios Stroumpoukis, and Hierodeacon Fr Nektarios Lampropoulos.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the wonderworking Holy Icon of Panagia Makellaria was carried in procession through the courtyard of the Monastery, followed by the Service of the Blessing of the Five Loaves (Artoklasia).

The message of His Eminence

His Eminence then addressed the large congregation, reflecting upon the deeper spiritual meaning of the feast and presenting the Most Holy Theotokos as a living example of faith, humility and obedience to the will of God.

He emphasized that honouring the Mother of God acquires its true meaning when the faithful strive to bring into their own lives the virtues that she embodied throughout her earthly life.

His Eminence made particular reference to the virtue of respect, stressing that it is a fundamental characteristic of Christian life and an invaluable foundation for younger generations.

Addressing young people in particular, he encouraged them to respect and love God, their parents and elders, their fellow human beings and the dignity of every person, noting that genuine respect is a practical expression of Christian love.

His Eminence also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras for blessing the participation of Archimandrite Fr Andreas Theodoratos in the celebration of the Holy Monastery.

Praise for the work of the Monastery

Metropolitan Ieronymos warmly addressed the Abbess of the Monastery, Nun Markella, and Sister Synklitiki, congratulating them on the excellent preparation of the feast and, above all, on the significant work they carry out each day at this historic Monastery.

He underlined that through personal effort, sacrifice and perseverance and, above all, through faith and love for the Mother of God, they have succeeded in bringing new life to this historic monastic foundation and offering pilgrims a renewed, cared-for and vibrant Monastery.

His Eminence prayed that Panagia Makellaria would continue to strengthen the two nuns in their ministry and that the historic Monastery would remain a place of prayer and spiritual renewal for the people of the region and for every pilgrim who seeks the grace and intercession of the Mother of God.

Concluding his address, His Eminence attributed this progress above all to the providence of God, saying:

“Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and for evermore.”

He also invoked the intercessions and protection of the Most Holy Theotokos:

“All my hope I place in you, O Mother of God; keep us under your protection.”

Representatives of public authorities

Among those attending the celebration were independent Member of the Hellenic Parliament for Achaia Andreas Panagiotopoulos, Deputy Regional Governor for Tourism Development of the Region of Western Greece Panagiotis Sakellaropoulos, as well as representatives of local authorities and organisations.

A portrait presented to Metropolitan Ieronymos

Following the conclusion of His Eminence's address, the Abbess and the Sisterhood of the Holy Monastery presented Metropolitan Ieronymos with a commemorative gift: a portrait of His Eminence painted by Sister Synklitiki, as an expression of respect and gratitude for his unwavering support and paternal care for the Holy Monastery.

A remarkable and moving moment

A particularly moving moment followed in the courtyard of the Monastery, where the wonderworking Holy Icon of Panagia Makellaria had been placed after the procession.

Two horses, brought to the Monastery by their riders, were led before the Holy Icon. With remarkable calmness, they successively lowered their heads before the figures of Christ and the Most Holy Theotokos.

The unusual scene deeply moved the many pilgrims present and became one of the most memorable images of this year's celebration.

Following the conclusion of the festal services, the Sisterhood offered traditional monastic hospitality to all pilgrims at the Monastery's Archontariki (reception hall), bringing the day's celebrations to a close in a spirit of fellowship and thanksgiving.