Believers from around the world at St.Spyridon procession

Greeks and non-Greeks- chiefly from other Orthodox countries - gathered in Spianada Square to pay their respects to the Holy Relics of St. Spyridon. Large numbers of believers bowed with devotion as the procession passed by.



The procession was accompanied by Philharmonic Bands as it is every year.

When are the Relics of St. Spyridon taken on procession?

The procession with the Relics of St. Spyridon in August is one of four processions that take place every year in Corfu.

The first procession is on Palm Sunday in remembrance of when Corfu was saved from the Plague in 1630. The Relics of St. Spyridon are carried along the route where the town walls used to be - where St. Spyridon stood and banished the Plague. The procession starts at 11:00 and is accompanied by Philharmonic Bands.

The second procession, which is actually older and was established in 1550, is in remembrance of when St. Spyridon saved the island from famine. It takes place on Easter Saturday morning at the same time as the Epitaphio from the Church of St. Spyridon - a tradition that began during the Venetian period when the Epitaphio was forbidden but the St. Spyridon procession was allowed.

The third procession takes place on the first Sunday of November in remembrance of when Corfu was saved from the Plague in 1673 and the fourth on 11 August when the island was liberated from the Turkish siege in 1716.

See more photos here.