Chania holds commemorative events marking 104 years since the Asia Minor Catastrophe

Chania held commemorative events of national tribute and remembrance on Sunday, September 20, 2026, marking 104 years since the Asia Minor Catastrophe. The events took place at the Church of Agios Nikolaos in the Splantzia district of Chania.

In his address, the Metropolitan of Kydonia and Apokoronas, Titos, described the day as significant for the Church, the Greek nation and the city of Chania, saying it honored the “glorious memories” of people from all social classes who lost their lives during the Asia Minor Catastrophe. He listed among them military personnel, senior clergy, priests, monks, local notables and ordinary citizens.

References to Ionia and the Church’s legacy

The Metropolitan referred to the land of Ionia as a “blessed” region that, he said, was soaked with the blood of martyrs and represents a cradle of Hellenism and Orthodoxy. He noted that Asia Minor was the birthplace of patriarchs, senior clergy, major Church fathers and ecumenical teachers, and said that although the “seven lamps of Asia Minor” were extinguished, their spiritual legacy endures.