Pantelis Albanis
August 29, 2016
Joyous bells have been ringing today in Palairos of Aitoloakarnania at the news of the canonization of Saint Vlasios by the decision of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. From noontime the faithful began to flock to the Church of Saint Vlasios in Sklavaina, where the Saint was martyred and his tomb can be found, as well as to the Church of Saint Paraskevi in Palairos, where his sacred relics are kept.
The inhabitants of Palairos and the surrounding areas are not hiding their emotions over the fact that it is their patron saint in their conscience, and they see today's decision by the Ecumenical Patriarchate as a great blessing for their homeland. And many are those who express the wish that the Patriarch himself will visit the place where the Saint's holy relics are kept to celebrate a festive Divine Liturgy, at which time the decision of the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate will be read regarding the canonization of Saint Vlasios of Akarnania.
Translated by John Sanidopoulos.