Greeks stun – part II: the local priest and the residents of Kalithies village gathered to pray for …rain.
According to local media, it was started last week, when residents and the local council discussed the prolonged drought in the area. Present was also the parish priest who proposed a special mass to address the issue.
The proposal was accepted, a couple of days later, the faithful villagers and the faithful city council gathered in the yard of Profitis Elias church.
The … event started with a special sermon, then the kneeling faithful made a plea for rain. Later, a procession took the icon through the village streets.
PS I don’t know if the prayers helped Kalithies but it looks as if it will rain here in Athens today.
Do you really find prayers for rain unusual or stunning? And, I would correct calling the prayer service a “mass”. The Divine Liturgy, known as “Mass” in some Western liturgical churches, is not celebrated for special intentions.
The Orthodox believe in a merciful God, and asking for rain as part of God’s great and rich mercy is totally consistent with the faith.