Greek President Sakellaropoulou Visits Panagia Soumela Monastery in Imathia

President of the Hellenic Republic Katerina Sakellaropoulou visited the historic Panagia Soumela Monastery in Kastania, Imathia, on Sunday.

The president was greeted by Metropolitan Panteleimon of Veria, Naoussa, and Kampania, along with the head of the 'Panagia Soumela' Association, Giorgos Tanimanidis, who guided her through the monastery and its key sites, including the museum of relics from Trebizond, the guesthouse, and Melissanidio Hall.

During the visit, President Sakellaropoulou learned about the iconic Panagia Soumela icon, which was originally housed at the monastery in Trebizond on the Black Sea. Rescued by monks during the 1922 Asia Minor disaster, the icon was transferred to Athens in 1931 before being relocated to Kastania in 1951, where it is honoured annually on August 15.