Gonia Monastery in Kolymvari to host Dormition of the Virgin Mary celebrations

The Holy Patriarchal and Stauropegic Monastery of Panagia Odigitria (Gonia) in Kolymvari, Chania, will hold a series of religious services from August 14 to 16 to mark the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, according to the monastery’s announcement.

Thousands of worshippers are expected to attend the celebrations, which the monastery has described as “the Easter of summer.”

Schedule of services

On Friday, August 14, the eve of the feast, Matins followed by the Divine Liturgy will take place from 6:00 to 8:00 a.m. In the evening, at 8:00 p.m., the Great Festal Vespers will be held, presided over by Metropolitan Joseph of Proikonnisos, representing Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. This will be followed by the Supplicatory Canon at 10:00 p.m. and an all-night vigil with the Lamentations of the Most Holy Theotokos at 11:00 p.m., led by Metropolitan Amphilochios of Kissamos and Selinos.

On Saturday, August 15, the day of the Dormition, Matins and the Festal Divine Liturgy will begin at 7:00 a.m., led by Metropolitan Joseph of Proikonnisos on behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarch. In the evening, at 7:30 p.m., a post-festal Vespers and a memorial service for the monastery’s founders will be held.

On Sunday, August 16, Matins and a hierarchical Divine Liturgy will take place at 7:00 a.m., led by Metropolitan Amphilochios of Kissamos and Selinos.

The monastery has invited the public to join the celebrations of the feast.