The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos was celebrated on the island of Imbros with deep religious devotion and an atmosphere filled with emotion. The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church in the mountainous village of Agridia, accompanied by several distinguished hierarchs, including Metropolitans Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, Kyrillos of Moschonisia, Chrysostomos of Myra, and Bishop Parthenios of Antania of the Ohrid Archdiocese.
The service was attended by monks and nuns from the Archdiocese of Ohrid, Greek Parliament Member Maximos Charakopoulos, Archons of the Great Church of Christ, representatives of Imbrian Associations, and many faithful from Imbros, Constantinople, and abroad.
In his homily, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the profound veneration of the Imbrians towards the Virgin Mary, as evidenced by the numerous churches and chapels dedicated to her on the island. He highlighted that despite the challenges faced by the Imbrians, they have preserved the Christian culture of their homeland.
“The Theotokos is the Mother of life and the Mother of us all. We invoke her protection in our sorrows and anxieties, entrusting ‘all our hope’ to her. The honor bestowed upon the Mother of God is not merely an expression of popular piety but holds deep theological significance, central to our Christian faith and identity,” affirmed the Patriarch.
Patriarch Bartholomew paid special tribute to the generation of Imbrians who lived through the difficult times of 1964, acknowledging their fortitude and sacrifices that have ensured the survival of their villages, churches, and cultural heritage. He also recognized the contributions of those who emigrated but remained connected to their homeland, investing in the restoration of their homes and the education of the younger generation.
Addressing the youth of Imbros, the Patriarch stressed the importance of preserving the Christian spirit and cultural heritage of the island. He urged them to actively participate in the Panimbrian Conference, scheduled for September in Athens, which will focus on the future of Imbros and the ongoing efforts to secure its place in history.
“It is a privilege to be the bearers and continuators of the long cultural and spiritual tradition of our island. However, this privilege comes with obligations, including the duty to visit our island often and to take an active interest in our schools,” he said.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a procession of the holy icon of the Virgin Mary took place through the streets of the picturesque village. The celebrations continued with a traditional Imbrian treat offered in Agridia Square, where young people from the Ohrid Archdiocese performed songs and dances in honor of the Ecumenical Patriarch and the pilgrims.
Concluding his visit, the Patriarch expressed his joy at reuniting with his compatriots and welcomed all the friends of Imbros who, with their presence, “always strengthen us with their love.” He also extended his Patriarchal gratitude to Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos for organizing the ecclesiastical services and cultural events during the “Theotokia of Imbros,” and thanked the clergy for their spiritual contributions.
The day’s events concluded with a visit to the Prefect (Kaymakam) of Imbros, underscoring the Patriarch’s ongoing commitment to his homeland and its people.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
