Feast of the Holy Metochion of Saint John the Baptist

At the “Balcony of the Evros,” where the soul rises and the gaze embraces Eastern Thrace, we once again celebrated with reverence the Holy Forerunner (Saint John the Baptist).

Below lie the “Palaces,” the fertile fields of Nea Vyssa; to the left stands the Holy Monastery of the Holy Protection and Saint Paraskevi of Nea Vyssa; and in the distance, the Greek flag proudly flies at Border Guard Post 5. Opposite, the city of Edirne can be seen, and around it the “lost homelands” – Karagats, Bosna… and as far as the eye can reach, the land of our ancestors.

In this blessed place, the Holy Chapel of the Holy Forerunner once again became a meeting point of faith and tradition. After the festive Vespers service, the children of the Cultural Association of Nea Vyssa “Stefanos Karatheodoris” danced traditional dances with enthusiasm, and the women of the Women’s Association moved us with their songs.

We warmly thank everyone who attended, our priests, and especially the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of the Holy Protection and Saint Paraskevi, Father Bartholomeos; the Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, and particularly Fani Bacharidou (Deputy Regional Governor for Finance, Culture, and Volunteerism) for their support; the associations; and everyone who contributed to making this evening unforgettable. We also extend heartfelt thanks to the Local Community of Vyssa and especially its President, Mr. Giorgos Bacharidis.