Saint Barbara relics in Athens

The ceremony was held at the Holy Shrine of Santa Barbara in the municipality of Athens, in the presence of His Beatitude the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Ieronymos. St. Barbara is the patron saint of Greek artillery and her icon graces all weapons of the service.

General Kostarakos in a tweet: "Artillery yesterday welcomed the sacred relics of our patron, Saint Barbara."

The holy relics of St. Barbara, came from Venice, Italy, where they have been kept sincer 1003 when they were given to the Venetians by the Byzantines, and will remain in the Holy Pilgrimage until Sunday, May 24, 2015.

The relics were afforded honors befitting a head of state and were attended by all artillery officers, serving in units in Attica, bearing the official uniform with sword, honoring with their presence their patron saint. The relics were borne on an artillery bier accompanied by officers!