All-Night Vigil (Eparthenia)
Devotees stand with candles during the solemn vigil; candles are often stuck into a ceremonial loaf next to Gerasimos’s grave to be consumed as a blessing.
Oct 19
Feast of Saint Gerasimos
Άγιος Γεράσιμος
Argostoli, Greece
Oct 20, 2026Expected
Twice a year, the island of Kefalonia honors its patron, Saint Gerasimos, whose preserved body rests in the monastery that bears his name. On the greater feast in October, thousands gather for a liturgy and the procession of his relics, in a celebration at the spiritual heart of the island.
Key moments
Oct 19
Day 1 · Oct 20
Procession of Saint Gerasimos’ Relics
Participants fall in line to touch or be near the reliquary; visible emotion and devout prayers. The scene is charged with belief in his miracle-working power.
Oct 20
Where it happens
Ιερά Μονή Αγίου Γερασίμου
Argostoli, Greece
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Queue orderly to venerate relic. Avoid disruptive behavior during prayers.
Read the local rhythm
Strict modest dress in monastery. Observe respectful chanting; do not push to touch relics...
Ask before close-up photos
Ask permission
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: very high.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaMAJOR RELIGIOUS RITUAL
Feast of Saint Gerasimos
Άγιος Γεράσιμος
Argostoli, Greece
Twice a year, the island of Kefalonia honors its patron, Saint Gerasimos, whose preserved body rests in the monastery that bears his name. On the greater feast in October, thousands gather for a liturgy and the procession of his relics, in a celebration at the spiritual heart of the island.
AnchorCultural anchor
Oct 20, 2026Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Saint Gerasimos (1506–1579) is revered as the 'xois the Holy'. According to local tradition, his intercessions helped the island during plague and confiscation episodes. The Agios Gerasimos Monastery (founded 1560 after the saint’s hermitage) is a pilgrimage site. By veneration through the Oct 20 liturgy and procession, or the August commemoration, Kefalonians express their continuing devotion. The feasts fuse liturgical sole...
Key moments to know
Oct 19Approximate
All-Night Vigil (Eparthenia)
Devotees stand with candles during the solemn vigil; candles are often stuck into a ceremonial loaf next to Gerasimos’s grave to be consumed as a blessing.
Day 1Oct 20Approximate
Procession of Saint Gerasimos’ Relics
Participants fall in line to touch or be near the reliquary; visible emotion and devout prayers. The scene is charged with belief in his miracle-working power.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Queue orderly to venerate relic. Avoid disruptive behavior during prayers.
Read the local rhythm
Strict modest dress in monastery. Observe respectful chanting; do not push to touch relics too vigorously.
Ask before close-up photos
Ask permission
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Oct 20, 2026
Estimated
City / Area
Argostoli
Ionian Islands
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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