Panagia Soumela National Pilgrimage (Kastania, Vermio)

High on Mount Vermio at Kastania (about 18–20 km from Veria) rises the Pan-Hellenic Sacred Pilgrimage of Panagia Soumela. The Holy Metropolis of Veria, Naoussa and Kampania lists it explicitly as a proskynima (pilgrimage shrine), not among its monasteries—an important distinction for visitors and guides.

After the Pontic uprooting, the wonderworking icon of Panagia Soumela—tradition attributes it to the Evangelist Luke—was brought to Greece and kept for years in the Byzantine Museum of Athens. In 1951 a new shrine was founded at Kastania on a rocky, quiet slope reminiscent of the original Sumela above Trabzon, at the initiative of Philo Ktenidis and Pontic communities. Relics associated with the Pontic heritage (including historically the Cross of Manuel III Komnenos and a manuscript Gospel) are linked with this pilgrimage centre.

Thousands gather especially for the Dormition feast (15 August). Expect crowds, limited parking, and mountain weather; dress modestly for church entry. Outside feast days the site remains a powerful stop for anyone exploring Vermio’s spiritual landscape near Naoussa and Veria.