Local celebration of the patron saint

The schools, public services and commercial shops in Mytilene town and on all Lesvos island will remain close tomorrow, February 17th, as it is a local festival. The inhabitants celebrate the name day of Saint Theodore, the patron saint of the island. The celebrations will include a Holy Mass in the church of Saint Athanasios, in the port of Mytilene, where the relics of Saint Theodore is kept. Pilgrims will have the chance to visit the relics as it will be open to public all day and night tomorrow. Saint Theodore was a bishop on Lesvos and was hung by the Turks on 17th February, 1795. However, the inhabitants believed that his grace saved the island from the plague in 1836 and since then they honour his memory every year.