Gourmenissa, Kilkis, Greece, March 4, 2025
Photo: real.gr
The Greek Orthodox faithful of Goumenissa in northern Greece celebrated the 50th anniversary of the return and re-enthronement of their beloved wonderworking and myrrh-streaming icon of Panagia Groumenissa on Sunday.
The icon was stolen on March 3, 1975, which sent the townspeople into mourning. After several days of an intense search, the icon was found, and joyously “re-enthroned” in the church named for the icon.
“All of us who approach our Panagia, let us draw near to her with the flame of faith, with the strength of hope, with the humility of awareness, with acceptance of our own responsibilities,” Metropolitan Demetrios of Goumenissa said in his word to the faithful on the occasion, reports Romfea.
Though the rain prevented the usual large procession, “We gave all the weight of the celebration to the Sunday worship event, to the eucharistic elevation of our hearts to the Panagia, to our timely catechetical word, to the liturgical gathering of the people,” the metropolitan reflected.
Many clerics, pilgrims, and public officials participated in the celebration.
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Photo: maxitis.gr
In early March 1975, a shocking event occurred in Goumenissa when the revered icon of the Panagia was stolen from its church. This icon, central to the town’s identity and religious life for centuries, was believed to be responsible for the town’s very creation according to local tradition.
On Monday, March 3, 1975, the community discovered that thieves had broken into the church and stolen the sacred image. The news spread quickly, plunging the town into mourning. As one local resident described it: “A heavy and mournful silence covers our town from one end to the other. They took our Panagia. For five centuries she was the protector, the holy shelter of this place.”
While the faithful prayed fervently, the Greek Gendarmerie launched an extensive search. After five anxious days, officers conducted a final search in a house in Polykastro. Though initially unsuccessful, something kept them from leaving. Upon repeating their search, an officer discovered the icon, well-hidden and wrapped. The news spread instantly, bringing great relief to the community.
On Sunday, March 9, Metropolitan Ambrosios of Polyani and Kilkis led the solemn re-enthronement of the icon. Following this event, the icon was fitted with a special precious metal cover (leaving only the faces of Mary and Christ visible), donated by a local couple. Met. Ambrosios established an annual commemoration of the event.
He also commissioned St. Gerasimos Mikragiannanitis, a monk from Mt. Athos and renowned hymnographer, to compose a special service and supplicatory canon for Panagia Goumenissa. These were officially approved by the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece on December 11, 1979.
The commemoration continues to this day, linking the community to both its religious heritage and to St. Gerasimos, who was New saints: Elder Gerasimos (Mikgragiannanitis) and Ecumenical Patriarch Jeremiah IOn Tuesday, January 10, the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Constantinople canonized two new saints: Elder Gerasimos (Mikragiannanitis) and Ecumenical Patriarch Jeremiah I.
“>canonized by the Patriarchate of Constantinople on January 10, 2023.
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Source: Orthodox Christianity
