The annual feast day of the Great Martyr Irene the Wonderworker was celebrated on May 4–5 at the Holy Monastery of St Irene in Rethymno, Crete.
The celebration included a Vespers service led by His Grace Bishop Evmenios of Chora from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia (GOAA), who was visiting Crete for the first time, accompanied by a group of Australian pilgrims.
His Eminence Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos warmly welcomed the Bishop, highlighting the strong ties between Crete and the Church in Australia.
Bishop Evmenios shared heartfelt reflections on his ministry in Australia and the enduring bonds with the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Greece.
A joint Divine Liturgy followed on May 5, with hundreds of worshippers from across Crete, the US, and Australia in attendance.
Civic and religious dignitaries also took part in the festivities, which concluded with a memorial service for the the late Metropolitan Theodoros and traditional monastic hospitality.
