Emporio, Santorini, Greece, February 11, 2025
Photo: orthodoxianewsagency.gr
As earthquakes continue in Santorini and Amorgos, the Orthodox faithful held a procession with holy icons and relics yesterday, calling on the Lord for relief.
A state of emergency has been declared on Santorini as the Greek volcanic island experiences an intense “earthquake swarm,” with over 800 tremors of magnitude 3 and above recorded since January 31, including a 5.2 magnitude quake on February 5. The ongoing seismic activity, expected to last for weeks or months, has prompted mass evacuations from Santorini and neighboring islands, with more than 200 undersea earthquakes recorded in the area.
On the feast of St. Charalambos yesterday, before the dismissal, Metropolitan Amphilochios of Thira reminded that the saint, as protector against plagues and natural disasters, is an example of faith and endurance, reports the Orthodoxia News Agency.
He also referred to the earthquakes, emphasizing the need for prayer and trust in Divine grace. Despite the seismic activity, many faithful came to the holy church, demonstrating their devotion and deep faith in the saint.
“The events of recent days are causing intense concern in our lives and activities,” the Metropolitan said. “However, my beloved brothers, fear and any danger in our life, beyond its emotional dimension, also has spiritual significance. It teaches every person the quick way to approach the source of peace, love, and light, Jesus Christ. It mobilizes us as persons, as community, as Church, that is, the Body of Christ.”
Following the Divine Liturgy, clergy and faithful processed with relics of St. Charalambos, the Panagia Prousiotissa Icon, and the skull of St. Prosdokios, “seeking Divine protection and peace for their region.”
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