Moments of history and emotion were experienced by the small south-facing island of Antikythera, on 16 and 17 August, when the opening ceremony of the old Monastery of the Patron and Protector of Saint Myronos the Wonderworker was held, after the completion of the foundation renovation works that were carried out at the expense of the couple Athanasios and Marina Martinou and lasted almost 20 months.

The evening of the 16th^of On the eve of the feast of Saint Myronos, on the eve of the feast of Saint Myron, the sequence of the Opening of the Doors was celebrated according to the order performed in the Pantriarchal Church, by His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera and Antikythera, the washing and the clothing of the Holy Trapeze and the anointing of the Sacred Vessels. Then the Great Archpriestly Vespers presided over by His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Mani. This was followed by the traditional Cretan feast in the courtyard of the Monastery.

On the day of the feast, the Orthros and the Pan-Holy Mass were celebrated, presided over by His Eminence, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Mani, who both on the eve and on the day of the feast during the Divine Sermon analyzed the importance of the «small», taking as a starting point the small size of the island of Antikythera, in order to point out that the smallest words and phrases of the Divine Liturgy have the greatest meaning: Hallelujah, We offer, Lord Parashou.

This was followed by a solemn speech by His Eminence, Metropolitan Seraphim of Kythera and Antikythera and the Mayor of Kythera and Antikythera, Mr. Efstratios Harhalakis, who both were moved and thanked the friendly couple Athanasios and Marina Martinou for their enormous contribution to the small island. In addition to the Church of St. Myronos, extensive and exemplary renovation was carried out in all the monastic premises: Priory, cells, kitchen, auxiliary rooms, courtyards, etc. The Mayor of Antikythera wished that the monastery would be staffed by a small brotherhood, so that this huge project could be maintained and increased for the benefit of the island and the spiritual edification of its inhabitants. During the renovation work, the date «1693 October 4» was revealed, which refers (?) to the first inauguration of the monastery and is linked to the arrival of refugees to the then Venetian-occupied Antikythera from Crete after the occupation of Chandax. In addition, a small part of an aniconic painted decoration was discovered in the original built temple of the church dating back to the 14th century.^ο century.

Then the procession of the Miraculous Icon of Saint Myronos was made to the Cave of Evresos where Holy Water was celebrated and followed by the traditional Cretan feast to the sounds of Cretan music and in the presence of dozens of Cretan pilgrims, while there were honorary overflights of fighter aircraft of the Air Force over the celebrating monastery.

In attendance were: the Deputy Minister of Shipping and Island Policy Mr. Konstantinos Katsafados, the donor couple, Athanasios and Marina Martinou, the Member of Parliament of Piraeus Mr. Nikos Manolakos, the Mayor of Kythera and Antikythera Mr. Efstratios Harhalakis with members of the Board, the Mayor of Kallithea and Vice President of the KEDE Mr. Dimitris Karnavos, the Governor of the Kythera Hospital Mr. Georgios Megalokonomos, the President of the Union of Antikytherians Mr. George Konstantinou with members of the Board, the Regional Commander of the Coast Guard, Commander-in-Chief Mr. Evryviadis Sapunas with members of the Coast Guard and a number of Antikytherians, Cypriots, Cretans and pilgrims from various parts of the country.

The Holy Services were brightened by the Byzantine Choir of the «Chant Deacons» under the Principal Violinist and Choirmaster Mr. Ioannis Tsounis.

The preparation of the ceremony was done by the Panos Archimandrite of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens, Head of the St. George of Neos Psychiko Church, Fr. Michael Stathakis, whom His Eminence of Kythera and the Mayor of the island thanked in particular for his impeccable observance of church order and for his ministry on the island since August 10 and during the great feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary.

The Holy Masses were broadcast live by the Mayor of Kythera by IONIAN CHANNEL.