A relic of the sacred reed, which, according to Church tradition, was used by Roman soldiers to mock Jesus Christ before His crucifixion, has been brought from Mount Athos to the Greek city of Thessaloniki for the first time.

The relic has been placed on public display for veneration at the Church of Saint Spyridon, where it will remain until November 16, Orthodoxia News Agency reports.

The solemn reception of the relic took place on November 11 and was led by Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki and Metropolitan Athanasios of Sisania, both hierarchs of the Church of Greece. The relic was brought from Mount Athos by Archimandrite Ephraim, abbot of Vatopedi Monastery.

Following its arrival, a church service was held, followed by a hierarchical all-night vigil in the evening.

In Orthodox Christian tradition, the relic is associated with the Gospel account of Christ’s Passion. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Roman soldiers placed a reed in Jesus’ hand as they mocked Him after dressing Him in a scarlet robe and placing a crown of thorns on His head. This episode has become an important symbol of Christ’s suffering in Christian art and iconography.

Metropolitan Philotheos expressed his gratitude to Vatopedi Monastery and its abbot for responding to the request of the local Church and making the relic available for veneration.

He also emphasised that the veneration of Christian holy relics should not be confused with idolatry, as critics unfamiliar with Orthodox tradition sometimes claim.

For his part, Archimandrite Ephraim encouraged the faithful to focus above all on the spiritual significance of the relic.

"Let us ask Christ to grant us at least a little of His humility," he said.

Daily church services, Divine Liturgies and prayer services will be held at the Church of Saint Spyridon throughout the relic's stay.

On Sunday, November 15, Metropolitan Philotheos will celebrate a festive Divine Liturgy. The relic is scheduled to be solemnly taken from the church the following day, November 16.