Kefalonia's Holy Land


St. Gerasimos Church at Omala, Kefalonia
St. Gerasimos Church at Omala Valley, Kefalonia

Kefalonia's significant holiday

 

October 20th is the most significant religious holiday for Kefalonia as the island honors its patron saint. The commemoration festivities for Saint Gerasimos are held over two days. Then, the Valley of Omala comes alive with the devout, the curious, and the last tourists before the season officially shuts down. Some seek a cure or a miracle; others use the occasion as a family outing to enjoy the festivities. 

A matter of identity, beyond faith


Most Kefalonians have a peculiar relationship with their patron saint, sometimes contradictory to their everyday religious beliefs. It is a relationship that borders on familiarity and possession!
And tradition, of course.
And identity.
Besides, it is hard to find a family in Kefalonia without a member named Gerasimos.
St. Gerasimos Convent, Kefalonia
St. Gerasimos Church, Kefalonia
Litany at St. Gerasimos of Omala, Kefalonia
The Litany at Omala Valley, Kefalonia
Litany at St. Gerasimos of Omala, Kefalonia
Marching bands head the procession at St. Gerasimos Litany (Omala, Kefalonia)
Litany at St. Gerasimos of Omala, Kefalonia
Marching bands head the procession at St. Gerasimos Litany (Omala, Kefalonia)
Litany at St. Gerasimos of Omala, Kefalonia
Marching bands head the procession at St. Gerasimos Litany (Omala, Kefalonia)
St.Gerasimos, Kefalonia
The Convent grounds at St. Gerasimos, Kefalonia