On November 6, a prayer procession and supplication for rain took place in the Greek city of Ilia on the Peloponnese. The procession featured holy relics from the Monastery of Pammegiston Taxiarchon, including a reliquary containing a fragment of the Holy Cross, a thorn from Christ's crown, the sponge used to offer Him vinegar on the Cross, and a lock of St. John the Baptist's hair. Metropolitan Ieronymos of Kalavryta and Aegialia led the procession, reported orthodoxianewsagency.gr.

The prayer march traveled from the town square to the Church of the Virgin of Faneromeni, where Metropolitan Ieronymos prayed for an end to the severe drought affecting not only the Peloponnese but much of Greece. Addressing the faithful, he emphasized the severity of the drought as a significant trial for the nation and called upon everyone to pray fervently for rain.

"We gather here in repentance, praying for the Lord's mercy to shower our lands with blessed rain," said Metropolitan Ieronymos. "Our land is parched, natural springs are drying up, and crops, particularly olive groves, are at risk for the second year in a row. This trial serves as a reminder of our spiritual responsibility, that the true strength of our people lies in faith and turning to the Lord."

Greece is experiencing one of the driest periods in decades. According to the national meteorological portal meteo.gr, almost 80% of weather stations recorded minimal to zero rainfall in October, with almost no rain in Sparta, Chania, and Athens. The drought has seriously impacted agriculture and the country’s water supply, with freshwater bodies like Lake Mornos visibly shrinking.

In light of these challenges, Metropolitan Ieronymos urged the faithful to deepen their prayers. “We have set Christ aside, yet He is always near, waiting for us to call upon Him once more. When we do, He transforms our lives, filling them with light and grace," concluded the Metropolitan. After the service, the reliquary was placed in the church, where it will be available for veneration.