The Feast of the Transfiguration of Our Lord Jesus Christ was celebrated with great solemnity on Prinkipo, where Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. This year marks the 300th anniversary of the monastery’s re-establishment and renovation.
Among those present were a representative of Patriarch Sahak Maşalyan of the Armenians in Turkey, Archons of the Ecumenical Throne, young people from the United States, and a large number of faithful.
After the Divine Liturgy, the Ecumenical Patriarch blessed the grapes and distributed them to the faithful. He also performed a Trisagion service for the soul of Symeon Siniosoglou, a Great Benefactor of the Nation, at his grave near the church.
During a reception in the courtyard, Mrs. Maria Apostolidou, President of the Children’s Home and the Working Girl’s Shelter, and Archon Primikirios Mr. Adamantios Kombopoulos welcomed the Patriarch. The Mayor of the Princes’ Islands (Adalar), Mr. Ali Ercan Akpolat, also addressed the gathering.
In his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch highlighted the history of the Monastery, which has served various needs of the Greek community and Orthodox flock over the centuries. He mentioned the monastery’s role as a home for elderly clergy, orphanages, a refuge for Russian refugees, a hospitality venue, and its current use as a Children’s Camp and Working Girl’s Shelter.
He offered prayers for the souls of past leaders and thanked those who work tirelessly for the hospitality of the community’s children, including the Camp Director, the Board of the Children’s Home, and volunteers from the Folklore – Cultural Association of Markopoulo and Porto Rafti “Delios Apollo.”
Konstantinos Dimopoulos, Assistant Professor at the University of Athens, along with the music ensemble of the Holy Metropolis of Alexandroupolis, and all the generous donors, both named and anonymous, who contribute to the functioning of the Patriarchal camp, embody the spirit of self-sacrifice. This spirit reflects the tradition of service, inspired by the example set by our Lord, which the Holy Great Church of Christ has upheld for centuries. Their dedication to humility and a focus on the glory of God rather than worldly recognition is what sustains the Mother Church’s enduring legacy of service.
In a heartfelt address to the children, the Patriarch reassured them of his constant presence and encouraged them to stay connected to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and remain within the City. He expressed deep concern for their well-being and emphasized the importance of their role in carrying forward the traditions of Romiosini and the Nation, under the guidance of the Church.
The Patriarch also extended a warm welcome to a group of pilgrims from the USA, organized by the Order of St. Andrew’s Archons, who were visiting Constantinople to strengthen their ties with the revered Center of the Mother Church. The young visitors, accompanied by Archon Offikialioi, were set to explore historical sites and receive an audience with the Ecumenical Patriarch during their stay in the Queen of Cities.
Following his remarks, the Patriarch acknowledged and appreciated the Mayor of the Princes’ Islands and the President of Prinkipo for their support and interest in the affairs of the Greek Community. The festivities continued with a captivating performance by the children of the camp, who showcased traditional songs and dances, earning enthusiastic applause from the audience.
The day culminated in a blessing from the Ecumenical Patriarch over the festive meal shared by the children and all the pilgrims in attendance. The images captured during the event, as seen in the photos provided, beautifully depict the spirit of unity and celebration that filled the air.
Photo: Nikos Papachristou / Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou Could you please rewrite that?
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