The Greek island of Corfu (Kerkyra) honors the memory of its Patron Saint Spyridon on December 12 each year.
People from Cyprus, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine and other centers of Orthodoxy traditionally visit the island every year.
It is believed by the faithful of the island that their saint has saved their communities from countless disasters.
Although the people of Corfu hold five different litanies every year to honor their patron saint, the remains of St. Spyridon occupy a special place in the sanctuary of the Church to welcome the pilgrims on December 12.
The sacred relic of the Saint remains in an upright position by the entrance door of the church during the three-day-long pilgrimage.
The overwhelming majority of Corfu’s families have at least one Spyros or a Spyridoula in their homes, so it is safe to say that the entire island is celebrating one of their members’ name day on this day.
Photo courtesy of Vimaorthodoxias.gr
