The annual celebration of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, organized by the Kythira Association of Athens at the Metropolis of Athens, took place with a large turnout, on September 24, 2024. A large crowd, including members of the Association and friends of Kythira, gathered to honor the patron saint of Kythira, continuing the long-standing tradition kept alive by the Kythirians of Athens.
The festive Divine Liturgy was celebrated with reverence, followed by the breaking of the bread, with the participation of those in attendance. The President of the Kythira Association, Ms. Vasiliki Samiou, extended warm wishes to everyone, expressing her gratitude for the Association’s ongoing support and the preservation of traditions. Ms. Samiou also wished “Happy Birthday” to all the participants and thanked those who helped organize the celebration.
A special moment during the ceremony was the chanting of the troparion of the Virgin Mary of Myrtidiotissa, composed by the Kythirian composer Sophocles Kaloutsis and performed by fellow Kythirian Eleni Harou. The troparion, inextricably linked to the religious heritage of Kythira, added yet another note of spiritual elevation to the ceremony.
After the service concluded, as is done every year, myrtle branches and bread from Kythira were distributed to those in attendance as a sign of blessing and connection to their homeland.
The Kythira Association of Athens expressed its heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the ceremony. Specifically, it thanked Ms. Alexandra Lourantou for decorating the icon of Panagia Myrtidiotissa, the Karavas Bakery for donating the bread for the bread-breaking ceremony, as well as the transportation company «AFOI GLYTSOU,» which handled the transport of the bread from Kythira.
The celebration of Panagia Myrtidiotissa is an important religious and cultural event for the people of Kythira living in Athens, strengthening their ties to their homeland and keeping their traditions alive.
