Agios Riginos Celebration

Agios Riginos

Skopelos Religious Celebrations

The patron saint of Skopelos is Agios Riginos. Agios Riginos celebrates on February 25th. Agios Riginos was the bishop of Skopelos in the 4th century AD. He died in martyrdom when he refused to change his faith. Every year, the local people prepare a majestic Agios Riginos celebration. Although the government forced him to change his orthodox beliefs, Agios Riginos stood strong and did not obey. As a result, on the 25^th of February 362 A.D., the saint was shown to the island’s stadium. In the stadium, the governor’s people tortured him, and in the end, they decapitated him. That night, the Christians of the island buried him in the forest on the hill where his grave remains until today His holy relics have been buried by the worshippers where Agios Riginos church is located (4 km NW of the main town). In honour of the Saint, the Skopelites and travellers from the surrounding areas (Skiathos, Alonnisos, Volos) each year at his feast gather there. Furthermore, this huge celebration takes place on the 24th and 25th of February with great deeds of worship. There is a procession of the holy relic from the church of Christ. Since the priests preserve the holy relic there. All the way to the monastery, the worshipers chant ecclesiastical hymns. When the procession reaches the monastery, there is a liturgy. Returning to Skopelos Chora, the procession ends at the old bridge of Saint-Riginaki, where, according to tradition, is the point where the Saint was beheaded. Skopelos island is famous for the number of churches and monasteries there are on it.  People are deeply religious. That is why they have so many religious celebrations. Moreover, Skopelos is also rich in legends. One of which is directly related to Agios Riginos.