The celebration of Agios Dionysios

Today, December 17th, Zakynthos celebrates its patron saint, Agios Dionysios. Holy Masses will be held in every church all over the island, while the most glorious Mass will take place in the Cathedral of Agios Dionysios in Zakynthos town. The local authorities will all be present to the celebrations, while the Archbishop of Athens and all Greece, Ieronymos, visited the island. Agios (Saint) Dionysios was born on Zakynthos in 1547 and was from a wealthy family. However, he donated all his fortune to his brother and became a monk in the Monastery of Strofades, to the south of the island. He lived there and was aoften visited by people seeking for an advice. He was known for his good heart and helping spirit. He died on December 17th, 1622, and since then, his body remains intact till today. It is displayed in the Cathedral of Agios Dionysios and is visited by lots of pilgrims. His name day is a great festival for the island, as it is thought as the protector of Zakynthos and its people.