Services for Virgin Mary held at Gökçeada

The Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomew I held a service in honor of Virgin Mary at a church in the Aegean island of Gökçeada, known as Imros in Greek.

The service was held at the Church of the Virgin Mary at the village of Zeytinli, where the patriarch himself was born. Many religious leaders of the Greek Orthodox world, as well as local Orthodox Christians, attended the service. The patriarch prayed for world peace and health. Another service was held at the Church of Agridia.

It was presided over by the Metropolitan of Gökçeada and Bozcaada, Yorgi Kirilios Druganis. The festivities in honor of Virgin Mary take place in Gökçeada on Aug. 15 every year. They include food and fun activities in addition to religious services.