With particular splendor and the participation of a large number of faithful, the feast of Saint John Kaloktenes, the patron and protector of the city of Thebes, was celebrated in the city of Θήβα. The center of the liturgical celebrations was the Holy Pilgrimage Church of the Saint, where the sacred services were held in the presence of hierarchs, clergy, and local authorities, highlighting the deep faith and spiritual unity of the local community.
On the evening of Tuesday, April 28, a Great Festive Vespers service was celebrated at the Church of Saint John Kaloktenes, presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan of Maroneia and Komotini Mr. Pantelimon, concelebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan of Xanthi and Peritheorion Mr. Pantelimon and His Eminence Metropolitan of Thebes, Levadia and Avlida Mr. George, with the participation of clergy of the local province, civil authorities, and the faithful.
His Eminence Metropolitan Mr. George warmly thanked the visiting hierarchs from Thrace for honoring the feast of the patron saint of Thebes with their presence, extending wishes for many blessed years and strength in their pastoral ministry. He also referred briefly to the blessed presence and work of Saint John Kaloktenes, who came to Thebes during a difficult period and spiritually and materially revived the city and the region, leaving an indelible mark on the local Church.
The sermon was delivered by Metropolitan Pantelimon of Maroneia and Komotini, who emphasized Saint John Kaloktenes as a great benefactor of the city, a man of love, unity, and charity, who transformed a difficult era through his philanthropic and spiritual work, pointing to the saints as living examples for today’s world.
On the morning of Wednesday, April 29, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the same church, presided over by the Metropolitan of Xanthi and Peritheorion Mr. Pantelimon, concelebrated by the Metropolitans of Maroneia and Komotini and Thebes, in the presence of civil and military authorities and a large gathering of the faithful.
The sermon highlighted the historical significance of Thebes and the social transformations of the 12th century, during which Saint John Kaloktenes arrived from Constantinople and undertook extensive social, charitable, and spiritual work, marked by his love and generosity toward all.
At the conclusion of the services, a procession of the icon of Saint John Kaloktenes and the Holy Relic of the True Cross took place through the streets of Thebes, accompanied by a military honor guard and the municipal philharmonic orchestra, bringing the celebrations to a solemn and majestic close.
