RELIGION 

Most Greeks belong to the Greek Orthodox Church (98%); although in Greece everyone is free to exercise their religion according to what they believe in.

        As religious heritage is old, there are Christian churches all over the country: Byzantine and post - Byzantine churches, cathedrals, small chapels in the countryside and monasteries.

        Thessaloniki is famous for its numerous Byzantine churches, some of which were built in the 5^th century. The largest and most magnificent church in Thessaloniki is the one of the patron Saint of the city, Agios Dimitrios. Remains of the Roman Baths where the Saint was imprisoned and martyred in 303 AD were discovered during excavations underneath the church.

In the peninsula of Halkidiki there is a famous monastic area called Agion Oros or Mt Athos (http://www.inathos.gr, http://computer.gr/athos), with 20 monasteries. The monasteries of Agion Oros possess unique cultural treasures, mosaics, frescoes and religious icons, ceremonial costumes, religious utensils, monumental doors and relics. The libraries of Agion Oros possess valuable manuscripts and documents and unique copies of ancient and religious texts.   

The most important religious holidays are Christmas and Easter. Apart from these, every city celebrates its Patron Saint. In many villages on that day celebrations with traditional music and dancing also take place.

The patron Saint of Thessaloniki is Saint Dimitrios and St Demetrios' Day is celebrated on the 26^th of October. Celebrations last for 3 days and are combined with the 28^th of October, a national holiday. That day Greeks celebrate the refusal on the Greek government to allow Italian forces to use Greek territories in their war campaign of 1940.   

Another important national holiday is held on the 25^th of March, when we celebrate the beginning of the fight for liberation against the Ottomans in 1821. On the same day the Annunciation of Virgin Mary is also celebrated.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

www.ecclesia.gr (Greek Orthodox Church)

www.imth.gr (Holy Diocese of Thessaloniki)

www.goarch.org