The relics of Gregory Palamas were carried in procession through the streets of Thessaloniki on the second Sunday of Great Lent, which in the Orthodox Church is dedicated to the saint who defended hesychast spirituality.
The religious procession took place on Sunday at the Metropolitan Cathedral in the historic Greek city, where the relics of Saint Gregory Palamas are preserved.
The procession was preceded by the Divine Liturgy celebrated by Metropolitan Markos of Chios, together with Bishop Ioannis of Skiathos and Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki.
Metropolitan Markos recalled the theological legacy left by Saint Gregory Palamas and spoke of the joy of Greek Orthodox faithful who are able to venerate his relics in Thessaloniki. The hierarch also referred to the former Metropolitan Anthimos of Thessaloniki, who reposed on 13 March 2025.
Representatives of the Hellenic Parliament, the armed forces, law enforcement bodies, consular authorities and local officials attended the events in Thessaloniki.
Saint Gregory Palamas
Saint Gregory Palamas is commemorated twice in the Orthodox calendar: on the second Sunday of Great Lent (a movable date) and on 14 November, the anniversary of his repose.
He systematised Hesychasm as a theological teaching and spiritual practice within the Eastern Christian tradition and was canonised in 1368 at the Synod of Constantinople for his defence of Orthodox teaching against heretical movements.
Later, the entire Palamas family was canonised, including his father Constantine Palamas, his mother Kalloni, his brothers Theodosius and Makarios, as well as his sisters Epicharis and Theodota.
Last year, the relics of Saint Gregory Palamas were brought to Iași for the feast of Parascheva of Iași, marking the first time the revered relics had left Thessaloniki.
Photo: Metropolis of Thessaloniki
