Pilgrims from Kalymnos accompany the Metropolitan to Kefalonia ahead of the feast of Saint Gerasimos.
Metropolitan Paisios of Leros, Kalymnos and Astypalaia returned to his hometown of Lixouri, Kefalonia, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Gerasimos on Sunday, October 18, 2026. A large group of pilgrims from Kalymnos accompanied him on the visit.
The service held particular personal significance for the Metropolitan, taking place in the town where he was born and spent his childhood. He was accompanied by Bishop Stephanos of Stratonikeia, the Metropolis’s auxiliary bishop and protosyncellus, and two other clergymen. The parish priest also participated in the service.
In his sermon, Metropolitan Paisios reflected on passages from the Gospel of Luke, drawing on spiritual lessons and experiences from his many years of pastoral ministry on the Aegean islands. He administered Holy Communion and distributed the blessed bread, remaining at the church afterwards to speak with members of the congregation.
The visit continued with veneration of the relics of Saint Panagis Basias and a visit to the Monastery of Kipouria, in the Paliki area.
Metropolitan Paisios and his party are in Kefalonia to attend the October 19–20 celebrations honouring Saint Gerasimos, the island’s patron saint. The participation of pilgrims from Kalymnos gave his homecoming an added significance, bringing together his birthplace and the island communities he serves.
Based on reporting by Charalambos Papadopoulos, October 18, 2026.
