With four days of religious services and cultural events, the Sacred Patriarchal and Stavropegial Orthodox Monastery of St. Irene Chrysovalantou in Astoria will celebrate its Feast Day again this year, along with the emblematic festival in the heart of the Greek community.
Archimandrite Fr. Meletios Bougas, who is in charge of administration until the appointment of a new abbot, spoke with The National Herald about the celebrations which begin on Thursday, July 25, and culminate on Sunday, July 28 with the traditional prayer services and the procession of the icon of St. Irene Chrysovalantou, and the faithful from far and wide expected to participate as they do every year.
“With the grace of God, we are celebrating again this year the memory of our Blessed Mother Irene, Abbess of the Chrysovalantou Monastery, and as is known, the Holy Patriarchal Monastery celebrates here in Astoria, with a great pilgrimage of Greek expatriates, not only from Astoria but also from other regions,” Fr. Bougas said. “We will also have buses bringing in the faithful from other States for the procession of the icon of St. Irene on Sunday.”
“This year’s celebration begins on July 25 with the Great Vespers in the afternoon and the consecration of the Festival,” he noted.
Read more at thenationalherald.com
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