According to the instructions of the state and the experts to avoid the spread of the coronavirus, the celebration of Panagia Soumela, in the hills of Vermio, in Kastania, Imathia, will take place with restrictions.
The organizers have announced the conditions under which the visitors will be able to move in the area of pilgrimage, observing all the prescribed health rules and the necessary distances, during August 14 and 15, on the eve and on the day of the celebration.
“In this situation and with the problems that the country, our homeland is facing, we as Greeks of Pontic origin honor the Most Holy Theotokos, applying all the measures the state and the experts advise. A message of unity will leave from the heights of hospitable Vermio and go to Hellenism everywhere, with the presence of the church, political representatives, the armed forces, the security forces, local bodies and presidents of Pontian unions,” the president of the “Panagia Soumela” Association, George Tanimanidis, said to ANA-MPA.
“In all this effort”, he added, “the ‘presence’ of the organizing committee of the young Greeks of Pontic origin, the children of the meeting of the Pontian youth, for the 22nd year is thunderous. One hundred and twenty children have set up the organizing committee and are present at the event, having complied with all the required rules, masks, gloves, antiseptics, all sterile.”
According to the organizers and based on the program of the Feast of “Panagia Soumela”, the pilgrims must come to the site of the Panhellenic pilgrimage and inside the Holy Temple, wearing masks.
Camps are not allowed inside the Holy Pilgrimage site, after the relevant decision of the Steering Committee, while the planned processions will not be held in the traditional way, nor will the artistic events take place.
Source: ANA-MPA