The relics of Spyridon Trimifuntsky in Corfu - a story for pilgrims and tourists

The northern island of Greece, Kerkyra, attracts not only tourists seeking entertainment, but also deeply religious Orthodox people. A pilgrimage to Corfu involves visiting many temples on the island, but the main one is the Cathedral of St. Spyridon the Wonderworker. This is the most famous monastery and the richest Orthodox church in Greece. Thousands of sufferers who visited the relics of Spyridon of Trimythous in Corfu did not skimp on gratitude, prayers and offerings in return for the benevolent help of the miracle worker. The fame of the healing power of these places has spread throughout the world, and now thousands of pilgrims from all over the world strive to visit the monastery and touch the holy relics.

History of Saint Spyridon

Today, all the monasteries of Corfu fade a little in the shadow and glory of the Cathedral of St. Spyridon. People's faith in the miraculous power of this saint is so strong that in Kerkyra the elder is considered their protector and is called nothing less than “patron of the Mediterranean.” It is all the more surprising that the island of Corfu has not been associated with the name Spyridon of Trimifunt for centuries.

As church chronicles say, Spiridon was born in the village of Askia in Cyprus. The exact date of birth has not been established, but it is assumed that it happened around 270. There is no information left in the legends about the parents, childhood and youth of the righteous man. It is only known that as a boy he tended sheep and goats, and was distinguished from his peers by his excessive obedience, piety and compassion for the troubles of others. The young man built his lifestyle in the likeness of the acts of the Old Testament righteous:

1. He learned meekness from the prophecies and biographies of King David.
2. Spiridon cultivated cordiality and kindness in himself, relying on the image and actions of Jacob.
3. The acts of the Prophet Abraham taught the boy responsiveness, openness and readiness to help every wanderer.

This imitation was expressed not only in character strengthening, but also in real actions. In Spiridon's house, many people found warmth, food, shelter, mental and material support. As a reward for good deeds and the desire for righteousness, the young man received the gifts of foresight, healing and exorcism.

Later the man was gifted with great love. In his youth, he married an honest, chaste girl and the couple had a daughter. Spiridon independently baptized the girl and gave her the name Irina. But soon tragedy befell the young family: the wife died, and the man was left alone with a small child. Although Spiridon heavily mourned the loss of his wife, he still did not become despondent, but continued his service to God and people.

In the mid-320s, the righteous man was elected bishop of the small Cypriot town of Trimifunt. In this position, he performed many good deeds and always tried to be a positive example for his flock. Despite his respectful post and long years, he worked honestly, helping to herd sheep and harvest grain. At the same time, he donated a significant part of his income to help those in need, leaving himself only modest means for food.

Spyridon was very zealous about observing church ceremonies and Holy Scripture. When this was required, the bishop also showed justified anger: greedy and greedy merchants, careless priests, as well as other people who committed unrighteous acts fell into disgrace.

The elder died in 348. According to legend, he foresaw his death and wished to die in prayer. The expression of love for God and people became the last words of the saint. The incorrupt body of the elder was buried in the Church of the Holy Apostles in Trimifunt.

In the 7th century, the Arabs attacked Crete, and the holy relics were forced to be transported to Constantinople. The remains were kept there for several centuries. And when the Turks attacked Byzantium in the 15th century, the servant of the local temple took the relic to Epirus. After staying there for a couple of years, the monk decided to move to a safer place, and so in 1456 the relics of St. Spyridon of Trimythous ended up in Corfu. And a century later, in 1589, a temple was erected on the island in honor of the righteous man, to which pilgrims and tourists flock today.

The miraculous deeds of St. Spyridon

Even during his lifetime, the righteous man was accompanied by the glory of his miraculous power. More famous than others is the case when the saint clearly proved the Unity of the Great Trinity. At that time, the Arius heresy became popular, which rejected the divine origin of Christ and the symbol of the Trinity. Saint Spyridon appeared at the council examining the case and gave a speech. In defense of the Christian symbol, he showed the crowd a brick, which immediately split into fire that came out upward, water that poured down, and clay that remained in the elder’s hands. The people were amazed and unanimously recognized the rightness of the righteous man.

Rules for visiting the temple

The canons of the Orthodox Church do not imply turning to the Saints with petitions for material benefits and financial well-being. However, the god-pleasing Spiridon is an exception to this rule. He really helps people in resolving financial issues.

A believer can seek the patronage of the Saint in the following cases:

• to solve housing problems;
• eliminating material difficulties;
• settling legal issues;
• ending family disputes;
• in acquiring love for the Orthodox faith;
• in other situations.

It is correct to ask a saint for all help.

To do this you need:

1. put your lips to the sarcophagus;
2. bow and cross yourself;
3. say the appropriate prayer.

The thoughts of the person praying must be sincere and come from a pure heart. The petition must be offered wisely, since the saint helps only those who really need it.

Photography is strictly prohibited in the temple.

Notes are usually written in Greek or Latin letters. They are placed in small baskets located on a marble fence. Contributions for notes are left in a box with a slot. A note about health can also be given to the priest who stood next to the relics of St. Spyridon.

Women, unlike Russian churches, can be in the temple with their heads uncovered. This tradition was established in opposition to Muslim laws established during the centuries-old enslavement of the country by the Turks. However, the majority of Orthodox Russian women still go to church with scarves on their heads.

Where are the relics of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky in Corfu?

Not a single monastery is located on Greek lands - the temple where the relics of St. Spyridon are kept, one of a whole galaxy of Orthodox places in Greece and the island of Corfu. As a local attraction, temples are distinguished by the fact that many of them are located in villages, high cliffs, or even on a separate island, like the famous Athos. In other words, getting to the shrine is not always easy and simple.

But a pilgrimage trip to Corfu to Spyridon of Trimifuntsky will not be difficult at all. After all, the cathedral, erected in honor of the righteous and healer Spyridon, is located right in the center of Kerkyra, i.e. capital of the island. Corfu International Airport is located nearby, so you will be in the city within 20-30 minutes after arrival. And in the capital itself, the landmark of the monastery will be the bell tower, which can be seen literally from anywhere in the city.

Corfu – a beautiful piece of paradise on the planet

Greece is rich in its ecclesiastical attractions. It seems that only on the island of Corfu there are several dozen, if not hundreds, of beautiful original temples. Having opened a website dedicated to this corner of the Earth, you will see numerous photos of temples located in very beautiful picturesque places. And one of the sacred places, the Corfu Monastery, is located on a tiny separate island.

Feedback from tourists suggests that it is very unusual to visit an island whose size is exactly the size of one single temple. But let's talk consistently about the island of Corfu itself. This way we will paint the most complete picture of this entire area. In order to immerse yourself in the bright, original atmosphere of Corfu, it’s worth examining its features point by point:

1. This place is distinguished by beautiful nature, which seems to immerse you in an idealistic place from a Bounty chocolate advertisement. Corfu has a very beautiful underwater world of the sea. Reviews from tourists constantly talk about this. Also on the Internet you can see more than one video with amazing fish of all colors of the rainbow, which are hidden in the warm, fresh Ionian Sea. In addition to fish, there are starfish, crabs, octopuses and other underwater inhabitants that delight visitors and their children. On most Greek beaches you can find all this marine fauna very close to the shore. The sea inhabitants seem not to be afraid of visitors at all, and swim close to them. Visitors even noticed a certain schedule according to which the largest number of strange fish can be found near the shore. Surely they will tell you about it if you come to this beautiful island. In addition, Kerkyra (the capital of Corfu) and the entire island are rich in beautiful terrestrial nature. This island is even called the Emerald Paradise for its beautiful green gardens. Moreover, all this looks beautiful in combination with the azure waves of the Ionian Sea. The nature found on land is very diverse. Here you can find an abundance of olive and cypress trees, as well as thickets of blackberries and orange orchards, as well as fig trees and other plants and shrubs. All of them are great for saving in hot, dry weather. These gardens always have a fresh, cool atmosphere. It's nice and relaxing to relax here. In addition, we cannot fail to mention all the wonderful foods that these local fruit-bearing trees provide! Fresh juicy oranges or ripe blackberries simply melt in your mouth on a hot day. Imagine this picture: after a vacation at the seaside, you decided to arrange a family vacation in a grove near the sea. There you picked local fruits and enriched your vitamin reserves for the year ahead. Just a fairy tale;
2. The real attraction of Corfu is the local picturesque beaches. There are several dozen of them here, and perhaps even a couple of hundred. Moreover, it is in this corner of the world that you will find completely different coastlines. There are both sandy and rocky beaches here. You can rest alternately on the warm soft sand or on the pebbles, which will massage your feet. In addition, on the Greek island there are both secluded small beaches and civilized, lively places. You can also sunbathe and swim in a completely wild place that will be difficult to find on the map. Here you can immerse yourself in a secluded bhajan with nature to the fullest. This can be the most unforgettable experience, because some of the beaches of Corfu are simply mesmerizing with their beauty. Here you can find picturesque bays and bays, as well as sea caves and wonderful grottoes. Rent a boat and sail along the coast - perhaps this is the best solution for a wanderer who finds himself in Corfu;

Corfu Island

1. Be sure to try the local cuisine, rich in an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. The locals will happily prepare many interesting and spicy dishes for you. Their hospitality is no less impressive than the wonderful delicious Greek cuisine. It seems that hospitality and the desire to treat the guest are the hallmark of this area. In general, the cuisine is similar to Italian. People here really love pasta, rice, dough dishes, and, of course, local fruits, vegetables and herbs. Many Greeks are health conscious and are partial or complete vegetarians. Delicious local dishes can be enjoyed at your hotel or in one of the local taverns. There are a lot of them on the island, and they all offer a variety of delicious dishes to choose from. It should be noted that the prices in taverns are not high; they are quite acceptable for Russians. Especially if the tavern is located on the territory of a small family hotel. In such establishments there is a truly family and homely atmosphere;
2. As a separate item, we would like to note the wide variety of hotels and apartments in Corfu. Here you can see both beautiful hotels, which have many stars, and small family hotels or apartments. This is probably one of the most developed family businesses in Corfu. Local residents, living on the premises of their hotels themselves, are ready to receive visitors from all over the world all year round. Here they sometimes become real friends with visitors. After all, many Greek hotel owners even invite tourists to their hospitable table full of Greek dishes. But, if you like to cook yourself, you will be offered apartments with their own kitchenette. This resort has a lot of similar solutions in hotels. A small kitchenette, with all the necessary utensils, is perfect for those who are on vacation with their families. You can make a light breakfast and also experiment with Greek ingredients for a dinner party. Speaking about hotels with stars, it is worth noting that everything in them is more or less done according to general European standards, which most of you know about;
3. and, of course, speaking about Corfu one cannot fail to mention its wonderful cultural and historical attractions. Here you will find a huge number of original fortresses, which are wrapped in lush green thickets, which were already mentioned earlier. Such an excursion can impress with its beauty and leave vivid spiritual impressions in the mind. After all, Corfu is also the home address for many temples, churches and monasteries. In some churches, sacred services are regularly held with the relics of saints. The local liturgies are especially fascinating! Also, when you learn about the lives of the great people of Corfu's past, such as St. Spyridon of Trimythous, you become truly inspired by their lives and their wonderful, miraculous deeds. There are other attractions in Corfu, such as beautiful palaces and galleries. It is also home to one of the most beautiful squares in Greece. It is very interesting to find yourself here - you get the feeling that you are being transported to the myths of Ancient Greece. In the square you will find many statues depicting beautiful Greek girls. After exploring this unique square to your heart's content, you can relax on a bench or in one of the local taverns next to the square. It is also impossible not to mention one of the islands near Corfu, which is regularly visited by dozens of tourists. The name of this island is Mouse Island. The thing is, he's actually tiny. You can get around the island in just a couple of minutes. There is a legend that this is the ship of Odysseus, which the angry Poseidon turned into stone. Everything here seems to be covered in Greek mythology, which we all read as children.

How to properly pray to Saint Spyridon of Trimythous

Before you visit the relics of St. Spyridon of Trimythous on the island of Corfu and ask the healer for help, you need to memorize the prayers with which it is customary to address him.

How to get there by car, public transport

After landing the plane at the airport, you need to get to Kerkyra. Then from the bus station you should take a bus to the Afeteria Leoforion stop. A short walk will lead you to Miltiadi Margariti street, where the entrance to the cathedral is located.

There is a ferry service to Corfu from Central and Northern Greece. To do this you need to get to the port of Igoumenitsa. You can also transport a car to the island, the cost of which will cost 40 euros. Ticket price for passengers is 11 euros.

What attractions are nearby?

In addition to visiting Orthodox shrines, guests of Kerkyra have access to beach holidays, natural beauty, architectural and cultural monuments, as well as entertainment for every taste.

Since the cathedral with the relics of Spyridon Trimifuntsky is located in the very center of Corfu, tourists and pilgrims will find many interesting attractions literally within walking distance from it. After all, this is the famous “Old Town” - the historical part of the central region of Kerkyra, which, due to its special value, is under the protection of UNESCO. Here are such iconic places as:

• Paleo Frurio (Old Venetian fortress, VIII-XVI centuries);
• Neo-Frurio (New Venetian fortress, XVI-XVII centuries);
• Liston Quarter;
• Spianada Square;
• Byzantine and Archaeological Museums.

Also in the central part of Kerkyra there are many temples and monasteries, which are listed just above. And in the suburbs of the capital, it is worth visiting the Achilleion Palace, which served as a villa for the Austrian Empress Elizabeth of Bavaria, and the excavations of the ancient Temple of Artemis.

Paleo-Frurio

Neo-Frurio

Spianada Square

Architect and exterior decoration of the cathedral

The Cathedral of Saint Spyridon Kerkyra is an example of monuments of the post-Byzantine era. The architecture of the temple is made according to the canons of temple architecture of the Ionian Islands. This architectural type is presented in the form of a single-nave basilica with a tiled covering.

Building dimensions:

• internal length - 20.2, and with the altar and vestibule - 35.2 m;
• width – 9.6 m;
• height – 10.5 m.

The bell tower in the form of a snow-white tower with a red dome and a clock rises 42 m high. In appearance, it differs little from the bell tower of St. George's Church in Venice. The marble iconostasis was built in 1864 by the architect M. Mowers. The icons were made by local artist Spyridon Prosalentis.

Hotels nearby - where to stay

Kerkyra is an attractive resort, and there is simply no shortage of apartments to live here: there are more than 300 accommodation options in the capital of the island. Hotels in Corfu range from luxurious 5-star suites to modest guest houses and apartments. There is housing for every budget here, and any requirements for comfort will be satisfied. And among the most popular options among tourists are the following hotels:

The booking price depends on the specific date and the set of services you need. But we also note that naturally you will have to pay a little more for a location in the city center than for accommodation in the suburbs of Kerkyra.

And you should also take into account that during the tourist season (May-September) the demand for accommodation in Corfu is very high, so you need to book a room as early as possible. The same point applies to the dates on which church holidays fall, when the relics of St. Spyridon of Trimythous are carried out to the religious procession. These days, thousands of pilgrims gather in the city, but there are not enough places in comfortable and conveniently located hotels for everyone.

Have fun trips and unforgettable experiences!

Architectural ensemble of the cathedral

The Cathedral of St. Spyridon Kerkyra is an ancient building, but in 1590 it was moved to this very place. As most vacationers testify, the church building is different from other religious buildings in Greece. The style is characteristic of the architecture of the Ionian Islands.

The Cathedral of Saint Spyridon Kerkyra is designed in the style of the Ionian Islands.

The church is characterized by low vaults and a prominent belfry, bearing the imprint of Italian architecture of the 17th century. Thus, visitors observe here the contact of two cultures - eastern and western.

Interesting facts about the cathedral

The temple has 2 entrances on the north side, and 2 on the east. At any time you can enter on one side, pray and leave on the other. Outside at the northern entrance there are candlesticks filled with sand, where the candles are placed. In Greek churches, candles are traditionally placed outside or in the vestibule of the temple.

The reliquary with the relics of the saint is installed in the cathedral in full view of visitors. She is surrounded by numerous gifts from believers - gold and silver pendants. The storage room is locked. It is opened for Orthodox believers, but Catholics are only allowed to kiss the shrine itself.

Through the glass one can see the face of the saint. It can be seen quite clearly, the hair and teeth are well preserved. The skin has dried out somewhat, changed color, but has not lost its shape. The keepers of the shrine say that the elder darkened relatively recently, when Patriarch Nikon’s reforms regarding Orthodox rituals were carried out.

Saint Spyridon may not have agreed with this. The temperature of the saint’s incorruptible remains is 36.6 degrees, that is, the same as that of a healthy person. Nails and hair continue to grow. It is surprising that the clothes the saint wears are changed every few months. She wears out, as if he does not rest in cancer, but wanders.

More than once they tried to subject the fact of the incorruptibility of the relics of Spyridon of Trimifuntsky to scientific examination, but no explanation other than a miracle was given for this phenomenon.

What are relics

Corfu (attractions)

Relics are the remains of Orthodox saints. Relics also include everything that came into contact with the bodies of saints during their lives or after death. The word “power” speaks of God’s grace, which the saints earned through their pious lives, and which remains with their bodies even after physical death.

The Church believes that the saints, through their righteous lives, created the temple of the Holy Spirit from their bodies. The Church of the first centuries especially revered the remains of martyrs who testified to the truth of the Gospel with their blood.

Relics

Altars and temples were often erected on the tombs of martyrs, which were named after them. The relics were transferred to churches and monasteries. In the history of the church one can find many examples of venerating the remains of saints and receiving healings.

You need to prepare for a meeting with a shrine:

• leave all your worldly things, all your worries;
• believe in the sanctity of the relics of saints;
• reflect on the lives of the saints of God, whose relics the tourist is going to venerate;
• have the intention of imitating them.

The relics are like a shrine. You need to approach them slowly, with prayer and faith. Cross yourself twice, make the sign of the cross and venerate the relics (do not venerate the head). After these actions, you need to move away so as not to disturb others. Somewhere on the side, be baptized for the third time.

Miraculous power

Over the long years of his life, St. Spyridon performed many miracles, which many believers have heard about. The most striking examples include the following:

• One day Bishop Spyridon went to meet Emperor Constantine at the Council of Nicea. On the way, he stopped for the night in a small village. There was a large group of Arian adherents there. They decided to stop the bishop and beheaded the horses. Having discovered the dead bodies in the morning, Spiridon ordered the coachman to put the heads to the bodies and began to pray. Soon the horses came to life and he was able to continue on his way.
• Upon arrival at the cathedral, the bishop amazed everyone once again. He picked up a baked clay brick. The fire from it entered the body of the miracle worker, and the water flowed out onto the ground, leaving only soft clay. He explained that the brick represents the unity of three components (clay, water and fire), and likewise the Holy Trinity consists of the Holy Spirit, God and the Son.

Tips and tricks for pilgrims

Before visiting this or that holy place (temple, monastery, cathedral), it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself in advance with its history and current state, and the personality of the ascetic of this monastery. The Internet knows the answer to these questions. Many monasteries and cities where pilgrimage is common have their own official website.

Having learned information about the monastery in advance, you can formulate for yourself the motive for the trip and what you want to see there. You can also pray to the saint whose life is closely connected with this monastery.

You should not rely only on the guide, since as a result of the trip you will receive fairly superficial knowledge and impressions about the monastery. If we get acquainted with the monastery in advance and then listen to the guide, then in the end we will gain a more complete understanding of the shrine.

Corfu

The best time to travel is to attend religious services. Unfortunately, pilgrimages often turn into only excursion trips, where parishioners run from monastery to monastery.

Pilgrimage is a time when it is best, if possible, to avoid fuss, crowds and long stays in church shops, where attention is scattered.

After the pilgrimage, one should keep a prayerful memory of the shrine visited. Prayer to the saint, before whose relics one kneeled, should continue for the rest of one’s life. Then there is hope that the time spent on pilgrimage will be a valuable spiritual acquisition.

Patronal holidays

The holidays associated with the miracles of the Saint are the following:

Before the procession on holidays, the remains of the Saint are transferred from a silver shrine to a vertical sarcophagus covered with a shiny canopy. Four religious ministers carry it on their shoulders.

In front of the holy relics are:

• bishops;
• priests of all ranks;
• military brass bands;
• choir;
• candlebearers carrying tall candlesticks with candles.

Bells can be heard throughout the city, the music of a brass band can be heard, and church psalms are sung. Along the way, they stop several times to read the Holy Scriptures and perform prayers.

Saint Spyridon - people often order a prayer service for the water in the church

Very often people order a water-blessing prayer service to Saint Spyridon. To do this, you need to come to the temple and write a note about the prayer service.

A note to Spiridon is written on an ordinary sheet of paper, taken either from a church shop in a church or from one’s own home. At the top you need to write “Prayer to Spyridon of Trimifuntsky”, and below write the names of the petitioners in the genitive case. Below you can see an example photo.

At the top, as we see, there is already a ready-made inscription for a prayer service with an akathist - then you need to write the name of the saint for whom you want to order a prayer service. You can order an akathist right away. The next line is from the servants of God, here you need to write the names of people in the genitive case