On the afternoon of Friday of Diakainisimos (Bright Week), Metropolitan Panteleimon of Veria, Naousa and Kampania, accompanied by the President of the Association “Panagia Soumela”, Georgios Tanimanidis and other members of the administrative council, brought to Levaia, Florina, the Holy Icon of Panagia Soumela, after the appeal of the local authorities and the invitation of the Metropolitan Theocletos of Florina, Prespes and Eordaia.
The mass welcome, with the participation of clergy, authorities and faithful crowd, took place in the central square of the city. There followed the litany to St. George Holy Church, in the porch of which Metropolitan Theocletos of Florina welcomed the Holy Icon.
There followed an archieratic Vesper, presided by Metropolitan Panteleimon of Veria, who preached the Divine Word, assisted by the local Metropolitan Theokletos.
The President of “Panagia Soumela” Association, Georgios Tanimanidis, announced that a true copy of the Icon shall remain permanently at Levaia, so that people, who mostly come from Pontus and Asia Minor, can worship the Icon and get the blessings of Virgin Mary.