Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew paid tribute to the late Ecumenical Patriarchs Ioakeim II and Ioakeim IV on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at their birthplace, Kallimasia, at the Holy Parish Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
The church was filled with believers from Kallimasia and nearby villages who gathered to honor the memory of the Ecumenical Patriarchs and participate in the Memorial Service. The day also coincided with the celebration of the “Nativity of the Theotokos,” a significant feast in the Orthodox Church.
After the Divine Liturgy, a Trisagion service took place at the burial monument of the late Ecumenical Patriarchs. Patriarch Bartholomew reflected on the lives and contributions of Ioakeim II and Ioakeim IV, emphasizing the unity symbolized by the Most Holy Theotokos. He highlighted her role in giving birth to the Son of God for the salvation of humanity, transcending all forms of discrimination.
Metropolitan Markos of Chios commended the Ecumenical Patriarchate as a steadfast guardian of the Greek Nation, especially during challenging times. He praised its role in spreading education and the light of Byzantium, serving as a central spiritual reference for Greeks and Orthodox Christians worldwide.
During the event, Metropolitan Markos presented Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with a venerable pastoral staff. Dignitaries and politicians exchanged gifts and greetings with the Patriarch, who offered his blessings to all and distributed Antidoron to the faithful after the Divine Liturgy.
A reception followed at the guesthouse next to the church, hosted by the Cultural and Social Ministry Foundation of Kallimasia, “Saint Emilian the Confessor,” which organized the commemorative events.
This significant honorary event marked the conclusion of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s visit to Chios. Later in the day, he bid farewell to the citizens of Chios before departing.