Saint Riginos
Author : Kostas Suros (e-mail)
(From his book about St. Riginos : Honor to the Holy martyr St. Riginos, Bishop of Skopelos).

St.Riginos lived in the 4th century A.D. He was of Greek origin and acquired, with the assistance of his parents, the education of his era. At the same time though he wished passionately to come close to Christ and to live in accordance with his will.

The reputation of his holiness reached the island of Skopelos and the inhabitants succeeded in making him Bishop of the island and their spiritual leader.

As Skopelos' Bishop he participated in the Synod of Sardinia and together with more than 300 other bishops they condemned the heresy of Areios. When the emperor Julian the renegade persecuted the Christians, St Riginos was given the opportunity to fight for his faith and the faith of the Skopelitians, in fact giving the example of his personal sacrifice and martyrdom.

. He was tortured to make him reject his belief in Christ and in the end he was beheaded, probably together with another forty unknown Skopelitians martyrs of the orthodox faith. Professor Nick Georgaras.

His holy remains were transferred to Cyprus. After many years a Skopelitian captain Hatzi Konstantinos devoutly brought back parts of the holy relic, which were enshrined in the Monastery of Saint John the Baptist in Skopelos. Later they were taken to the town's cathedral " the birth of Christ", close to the harbor where they have been kept ever since.

Next to the site where the Skopelitan Faithful buried the holy remains of the bishop 3 km north east of the town, on top of a small hill, they later built the monastery of the saint. Every year, in this monastery, on the 25th of February thousands of worshippers gather from the surrounding islands (Skiathos, Alonnisos) and Volos to honor the saint, who showed his love for his flock with healings and other miracles. All the inhabitants of Skopelos can tell stories of their beloved saint.

Everyone will enjoy being on Skopelos during the 24th and 25th of February. Following and joining in with the display of worship of the saint's holy relics from the monastery, with litanies and a huge procession through the streets of Skopelos to the church of The Birth of Christ.

The monastery stays open during the summer months and visitors to the island can worship at the Saint's tomb, visit the small museum displaying historic artifacts from the monastery and purchase charming mementoes that are available from the exhibition.

At the spot where the Saint was killed a religious shrine was built to remind us of his great devotion to his faith. The shrine is situated at the main traffic junction when traveling into the interior of the island. The locals refer to this place as "Little Saint Riginos".

The Skopelitans, out of respect and gratitude for the Patron Saint, like to give his name to their children. So the girls are called Rigina, and the boys Riginos.