By Dimitrios Kametopoulos
The Imvrian Benevolent Society of Sydney & New South Wales honoured and celebrated Panagia Imvriotissa at the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint Euphemia in Bankstown on Sunday, 31 August 2025.
The celebration is held annually nine days after the Dormition of the Virgin Mary on 15 August.
Panagia Imvriotissa is the patron saint of the once predominantly Greek island of Imbros in the north-eastern Aegean Sea, which now lies under Turkish sovereignty.
Members of the Society’s Board decorated the icon of Panagia on the afternoon of Saturday, 30 August, inside Saint Euphemia’s Greek Orthodox Church hall.
Proud of their heritage and with deep religious and patriotic sentiment for their homeland, the Imvrians honour the Virgin Mary each year.
Following the procession of the icon around the church on the morning of Sunday, 31 August, a festive luncheon was held at their community clubhouse in Revesby, lasting from midday until late afternoon.
Imvrians and fellow Greeks of all ages gathered, with speeches marking the significance of the day. The atmosphere was imbued with faith, pride, and patriotic devotion, felt and seen by all present.
