On December 12, the Greek island of Corfu and thousands of Greeks are celebrating Saint Spyridon and the name days of Spyros and Spyridoula.
Saint Spyridon, who lived during the 4th century, is the patron saint of the Ionian island and is renowned for his miracles and devout Christian faith.
Thousands of faithful Christians have already arrived on the Ionian Sea island from all over the world to worship the saint. People from Cyprus, Russia, Serbia, Ukraine and other centers of Orthodoxy traditionally visit the island every year.
Saint Spyridon is also venerated by the Catholic Church on December 14, two days after the Orthodox Church commemorates his miraculous life.
Saint Spyridon celebrated for saving Corfu
It is believed by the faithful of the island that their saint has saved their communities from countless disasters. He is believed to have saved the island from outbreaks of the plague on several occasions.
During the 1716 Ottoman siege of Corfu, Saint Spyridon is said to have appeared as a monk, leading the defenders and inspiring a miraculous victory.
There were also rumors spreading among the Turks that some of their soldiers saw Spyridon as a monk threatening them with a lit torch and that helped increase their panic. This victory over the Ottomans, therefore, was attributed not only to the leadership of Count Schulenburg who commanded the stubborn defense of the island against the Ottomans but also to the miraculous intervention of Spyridon.
He is also credited with safeguarding the island during times of agricultural crisis.
Saint Spyridon was born in Cyprus and became known for his piety, miracles, and participation in the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325 AD).
After his death in 348 AD, his relics were preserved and revered for their miraculous properties. During the 7th century, his relics were moved to Constantinople for safekeeping during the Arab invasions.
Relics brought to Corfu
In 1453, following the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Turks, Saint Spyridon’s relics were brought to Corfu by a priest named George Kalochairetis. Since then, the relics have been housed in the Church of Saint Spyridon in Corfu Town, making Saint Spyridon a central figure in Corfiot religious life.
Although the people of Corfu hold five different litanies every year to honor their patron saint, the remains of St. Spyridon occupy a special place in the sanctuary of the Church to welcome the pilgrims on December 12.
Many Greeks name their children Spyridon or Spyros in his honor, hoping to invoke his blessings and protection. This tradition is especially strong in regions like Corfu, where the saint’s influence is deeply felt, but the name is widely recognized and respected across Greece.