A New Tradition Established


A new tradition has taken root, as more and more Greek-Americans, many of them coming from New York, Bethlehem and Philadelphia, PA, New England, Ohio and Baltimore, MD areas, are embracing the annual feast and pilgrimage to the Shrine of Agia Markella, located in the Town of Delaware, Sullivan County, New York.

By Georgia Vavas

The event recreates the traditional pilgrimage of many Christians that travel to the site in Chios Island, Greece, where Agia Markella was martyred by her father. This past July, the Northern Chios Society “Pelineon” of Greater New York hosted the two days festivities with his Grace Bishop Philotheos of Meloa and Rev. Fr. Constantine Combitsis officiating over the Vesper services and Divine Liturgy, followed by the traditional luncheon outdoors under the new picnic pavilion on the grounds of the Agia Markella property that is owned and maintained by the Pelineon Society for over 25 years.

President Mihalis Bournias and Vice-President Dimitrios Moutafis welcomed and thanked the guests for their support and donations to the Pelineon Society. The proceeds from the weekend sustain the organization’s activities and upkeep of the Agia Markella property for the whole year.

The Shrine of Agia Markella in Upstate NY, has full picnic facilities including outdoor grilling area, indoor kitchen, restrooms, and a new pavilion for over 500 guests. It is available to any society or organization interested in hosting their event there. Anyone who wishes to visit and make an offering to Agia Markella is welcome year round. For directions and further information, please contact: Mihalis Bournias, 718-956-7304, Dimitrios Moutafis, 201-833-4744; Northern Chios Society’s “Pelineon” address is: PO Box 3138, Steinway Station, 43-04 Broadway, Astoria, NY 11103.

©2009 NEOCORP MEDIA


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