The historic centre of Thessaloniki was transformed into a vast scene of devotion, with crowds of people and thousands of believers following the processions of the Epitaphs that ended up in Aristotelous Square, where for the third consecutive year five Epitaphs from the city’s churches met, culminating in the excitement and participation.
The Epitaph Service was held at 19:30 at the Metropolitan Church of St. Gregory Palamas, presided over by Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki.
Then, the procession of the Epitaph of St. Gregory Palamas took place with the accompaniment of the Army Philharmonic Orchestra and the Municipality of Thessaloniki, as well as a military procession, through Agia Sophia Street and Victory Avenue, heading to Aristotelous Square.
Then processions from the Cathedral of the Holy Church of the Wisdom of God, the Virgin Mary of Chalkeon, the Holy Monastery of Agia Theodora and St Nicholas of Trano arrived at the centre of the square, where they met the epitaph of St Gregory.
The Epitaph Lamentation troparia were chanted and a Prayer Service was celebrated, in an atmosphere of devotion and with the participation of a large number of believers, while the ceremony was accompanied by philharmonic bands and honorary processions.
The action was held with the support of the Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki, the Municipality of Thessaloniki and the Thessaloniki Tourism Organisation, as well as the assistance of institutions such as the Army, the Police, the Fire Brigade and the Coast Guard.
The meeting of the Epitaphs has now established itself as an institution for the city, aiming to intensify the experience of the Divine Passion and the promotion of the religious and cultural character of Thessaloniki.
