May 9, 2012

The Mid-Pentecost Celebration of St. Gerasimos the New of Sourvia


The Holy Convent of Saint Gerasimos in Makrinitsa, located about 800 meters from the beach of Volos in the charming village of Makrinitsa, has been blessed to keep the Honorable Skull of Saint Gerasimos the New (+ 1740), founder of the Sacred Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Sourvia, which was and is until today a source of many miracles.

Every year on the eve of Mid-Pentecost, the skull of Saint Gerasimos the New is transferred from the Monastery in Makrinitsa to a village church in Fytoko on foot, accompanied by hundreds of believers, along a three hour mountain trail. Upon arrival the Great Vespers of Mid-Pentecost is celebrated, followed by an all-night vigil and the Divine Liturgy in the morning.

The primary feast of Saint Gerasimos is on September 15th, though he reposed on September 14, 1740. It was transferred because September 14th is a major Orthodox feast dedicated to the Elevation of the Holy Cross.