On June 9, the Church of the Intercession of the Holy Theotokos was consecrated in Melide, Canton Ticino, Switzerland. The rite of great consecration was performed by the Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe, Metropolitan Nestor of Korsun and Western Europe, as reported by the website of the Korsun Diocese.

Relics of ancient and highly venerated saints in the region, including martyrs Protasius, Gervasius, Nazarius, Celsus, and Saint Ambrose of Milan, were placed in the altar of the newly consecrated church. Following a procession, Metropolitan Nestor placed these relics along with the consecration certificate into a reliquary inside the altar, securing them with mastic. This act symbolizes that the Church of Christ, during times of persecution, was founded on the martyrdom of the saints.

The service was attended by numerous faithful, including parishioners, pilgrims, and guests from various parishes across Switzerland and Italy. After the liturgy, Metropolitan Nestor addressed the gathered faithful with an archpastoral message, congratulating the community on the consecration of the church. He also awarded diocesan certificates to the benefactors and parish members who had actively participated in the beautification of the church and the development of parish life.

The Orthodox community in Canton Ticino (Italian Switzerland) was established in 2010 and initially cared for by Archimandrite Ambrose (Makar), the rector of the Ambrosian parish in Milan. The first services were held in a Catholic church in Massagno.

In the fall of 2012, the community had the opportunity to acquire a small church in the town of Melide, near Lugano. The church building, originally constructed in 1931 by a German Evangelical-Lutheran community, underwent significant renovations. An altar and narthex were added, ceilings were replaced, the bell tower was refurbished, and the exterior was improved. The iconography was executed partially in the Byzantine and Romanesque styles, which are typical of the local tradition. The Romanesque style was prevalent in Western Europe during the 9th-12th centuries, a period when the Church was still united.

Photo: Korsun Diocese / cerkov-ru.com