A native of Cyprus protects the Corfiots

Each of the large Ionian Islands has its patron saint, whose relic is highly venerated and dedicated to processions and festivals.

In Corfu this is Saint Spiridon. His mummified body is kept in a silver coffin in the church of Agios Spiridonos in the old town quarter of Cambiello in Corfu Town.

Tradition has it that the saint was born around AD 270. born in Cyprus. He lived a simple life there as a sheep farmer with his family, but was exceptionally pious. That is why he was ordained a bishop.

After his death around AD 348. he rested on Cyprus until the 7th century. When the Arabs attacked the island, devout Christians brought the remains to Constantinople. In 1453 the Ottomans conquered the Byzantine capital, a monk saved the coffin and brought it to Corfu. A wealthy Corfiot family bought it there for their private band. Since then, Saint Spiridon has been venerated in Corfu.

The fact that the relic was previously in the imperial metropolis of Constantinople gave it special significance. The saint was so esteemed that he was credited with saving the islanders from a famine on Easter Saturday, 1550. Almost 100 years later, he is said to have redeemed the island from the plague on Palm Sunday. According to popular belief, he succeeded again in 1673. The population also attributed him a significant share in the victory over the Turks in 1716.

The church of St. Spiridon is still visited by pilgrims today. They pay homage to the saint by touching his silver coffin.

The Corfiots celebrate Saint Spiridon five times a year: on the four anniversaries of his great miracles and on his name day, December 12th. About half of the island's male inhabitants celebrate their name day on this day.

So don't forget to congratulate Spiros!