Procession of the cross on Holy Saturday
The very first religious procession, which was established after 1553, in honor of the salvation of the island of Corfu by Saint Spyridon from famine. Local historian Lavrentios Brokinis reports that this religious procession is the oldest of all, first took place in 1553 and was officially approved in 1753 by the Venetian governor of the eastern regions Antonio Loredano.
In the middle of the 16th century, long bad weather made it difficult for ships with provisions to reach the island. Easter was approaching and all grain supplies on the island of Corfu were exhausted. Famine began and the first victims appeared. And on the morning of Holy Saturday, several ships loaded with grain entered the port. They came from other countries and were heading to other islands. As it turned out, the captains saw Saint Spyridon in a dream, who insistently asked them to change course and call at Corfu and sell it there at a reasonable price. The captains decided to change the route and call at Corfu, as they respected and revered Saint Spyridon. Having moored in the port of Corfu, they learned of the famine, unloaded and sold the grain. Thus, by the miraculous providence of the Saint, the inhabitants of Corfu were saved from hunger and worthily celebrated Easter, the greatest holiday of Orthodoxy.
During this procession, the open relics of Saint Spyridon are carried along with a coffin with a golden dome, strewn with flowers.
Why is the procession held on Holy Saturday? Since the celebration dates back to the Venetian rule (1386-1797), according to Catholic laws of that time, Orthodox processions were not allowed on Catholic holidays. The only opportunity for the Orthodox believers on the island to hold a procession with the relics of Saint Spyridon was on Holy Saturday. This continued until 1799, until the fall of Venetian rule, but the tradition has survived to this day.
After the procession, Saint Spyridon stands at the iconostasis in an open reliquary until the evening for two days. The temple is open around the clock, day and night you can venerate the open relics of the saint, as well as his right hand, services and prayers are held around the clock.
