Corfu, March 16 – The Holy Metropolis of Corfu, Paxoi and Diapontia Islands successfully organized a voluntary blood drive yesterday, Sunday, March 15, 2026, at its Spiritual Center. The initiative, held in cooperation with the Blood Donation Department of the General Hospital of Corfu, resulted in the collection of 30 units of blood for the local Church’s Blood Bank.
Metropolitan Nektarios Emphasizes the Importance of Blood Donation
His Eminence Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu, Paxoi and Diapontia Islands visited the blood donation site. He engaged in conversations with the medical and nursing staff responsible for the collection, as well as with the donors who responded to the local Church’s call, including both clergy and laypeople.
In his statements, Metropolitan Nektarios stressed the annual importance of this event, held on the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross. He highlighted the duty we have towards our fellow human beings to contribute by offering a unit of blood – just ten minutes of our time – to help those in need, whether due to surgeries, accidents, other injuries, or for children suffering from Mediterranean anemia.
“This day reminds us of Christ, from whose side flowed His precious Blood to spiritually revitalize people, as an act of ultimate love and sacrifice,” Metropolitan Nektarios stated. “Our action, besides revitalizing our own body, is a small sacrifice and an expression of love, which the Church supports and appreciates.”
Gratitude Extended to Collaborators and Donors
The Metropolitan of Corfu expressed his gratitude to Protopresbyter Evangelos Koutras, the head of the Blood Bank of the Holy Metropolis, and to Ms. Englezzopoulou, the administrator of the Hospital, for their invaluable cooperation. He also thanked the responsible medical doctor of the blood donation unit, the nursing staff, and all the donors who practically demonstrated their love through their participation.
The event underscores the ongoing commitment of the Holy Metropolis to community welfare and its consistent efforts to support public health initiatives in Corfu and the surrounding islands.