Feast of the Holy Metochion of Saint John the Baptist 2026

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

Below stretch the “Palatia,” 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 Post 5. Across the border, Adrianople (Edirne) can be seen, while all around lie our unforgettable ancestral homelands — Karagatch, Bosna… and, as far as the eye can reach, the land of our forefathers.

In this blessed place, the Holy Chapel of Saint John the Baptist once again became a meeting point of faith and tradition. Following the solemn Vespers service, members of the Board of Directors of the Nea Vyssa Cultural Association “Stefanos Karatheodoris” accompanied the holy icon. The children of the Nea Vyssa Volunteer Group recited poems, while KEM (Art Workshop of Melissia) – Thracian Tradition performed songs and traditional dances from our village.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us, to our priests, and especially to Father Bartholomew, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of the Holy Protection and Saint Paraskevi, as well as to the cultural associations and everyone who contributed to making this evening truly unforgettable.

Warmest thanks also go to the Local Community of Vyssa, and especially to its President, Mr. Giorgos Bacharidis.