Following the conclusion of the Feast of the Assumption and the great feast of the Mother of God,the Local Property Committee of Kythira and Antikythira, having received consistently very positive feedback regarding the Church of Panagia Myrtidiotissa,the result of a collective effort, wishes to thank and congratulate all those involved, and in particular,
The Ecclesiastical Committee for the selfless and exemplary organization, decorum, integrity, and cleanliness of this sacred place.
To the employees Ourania Diakopoulou, Panagiotis Kalligeros (son of Aristides), Eleni Paspala, Thanasis Tsolakos,Maria Kasimati, Eleni Mavroudi, and Vivi Chinaris for the serious, responsible, and meticulous work they have provided and continue to provide with integrity, courtesy,dignity, and absolute respect for the Holiest Site of Kythira, serving in the best possible way—especially this year—the multitude of pilgrims from all over Greece and, more recently, from Cyprus (78 groups so far—most of whom came for Her Grace—with more to follow in September).
First and foremost, however, we express our gratitude to our Metropolitan, Mr. Seraphim, who, thanks to his archiepiscopal care, served as our permanent priest,the exceptional and beloved Father Dimitrios Destounis, who reverently conducted all the services, and to whom we extend our heartfelt thanks.
We would also like to thank Mayor Efstratios Charchalakis for his targeted efforts, always for the benefit of the residents of Myrtidiotissa.(e.g., the refund of a withheld fine for the port of Diakofto, etc.).
It would be remiss of us not to thank the cantors Manolis Venardos, Vasilis Leontarakis, Stathis Gounaridis, Kostas Andronikos, Yiannis Marentis,Vasilis Kasimatis, and Father Thadaios, who since February have selflessly and without any compensation willingly offered their services to the Virgin Mary,as well as the women working in our offices who, with diligence,and with great speed, navigate the complex procedures of public accounting to ensure that all necessary supplies are available at the Shrine in a timely manner and that essential tasks are carried out immediately.
Finally, we would like to thank Board member Georgios Kalligeros and his brother Giannis, who visit Myrtidiotissa every day to repair the small but very important damages.Our Philharmonic, which always willingly adds splendor to the processions of the Holy Icon, as well as Adelin FM and Valerios Kalokairinos for recording and broadcasting the Akoulothia throughout Greece.
We pray that Our Lady of Myrtidiotissa will grant good health to all, fulfill every pious wish, and that we may celebrate the Finding of Her Icon and Her miracles on September 24.
Kythira, August 16, 2026
The President
Evangelos Venardos
