Hundreds of believers from Oichalia and the surrounding areas climb Mount “Orphanos” every year to the Holy Monastery of Orphanos, so that the Birth of the Virgin can be celebrated with great pomp and ceremony.

The festivities begin with Great Vespers. On the day of the feast, at 7:30 in the morning chant the Orthros for the Divine Liturgy to follow. After this you usually offer traditional koftos.

In the afternoon, in a sweltering climate, the solemn vespers follows with bread baking and a divine sermon, at the Holy Monastery of Genesiou of Theotokou Orphanou Oichalia, Trikala.

After vespers, the faithful line up for the relative hospitality offered by the church.

At night, some believers observe the custom of fire and roasting that has been revived around the monastery for decades.