THE FEAST OF ST MELANIE AT THE PATRIARCHATE
On Monday the 31st of December, the last day of the church year 2013/13th January 2014, the feast of Hosia Melanie of Rome was celebrated by the Patriarchate at the chapel dedicated to her, within the Holy Monastery of the Great Panaghia.
Hailing from Rome, Hosia Melanie had traveled to monasteries of Egypt before taking up residence in Jerusalem, where she lived in sainthood, founding charitable houses and helping the poor.
The Hegoumen of the Village of the Shepherds, also serving as vicar at the Monastery, Archimandrite Ignatios, led the Vespers and the Divine Liturgy on the day of the feast, in the presence of nuns of the Monastery of the Great Panaghia and nuns from other Monasteries in Jerusalem, as well as pilgrims.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the Abbess, nun Melanie, hosted a reception at the Abbess’ Quarters.
From the Secretariat-General