Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew led the Divine Liturgy on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Church of Saint Dimitrios in Xyloporta.
The sermon was delivered by Grand Syncellus Iakovos, who also conducted the Divine Liturgy.
In his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch reminisced about the historical significance of this Church in the Balat area, which briefly served as the location for Ecumenical Patriarchate services in the late 16th century before moving to its current seat in the Phanar.
On the feast day of the Great Martyr of Thessaloniki, the Ecumenical Patriarch stated:
“As we sing in our hymns, if Thessaloniki treasures ‘Demetrius, the all-glorious athlete and martyr of the truth,’ we, too, hold him—along with all Saints—deep in our soul and essence. We seek his intercession to the Lord in every challenging moment, drawing inspiration from his holy life. This spiritual treasure is ours to cherish—inner and unshakable. As the Apostle Paul wrote, we Christians are those who, though having nothing, possess everything.
Although we may appear weak in the world, with the help of God, we can conquer any formidable challenge. Just like David in the Old Testament and Nestor in the New, we have the Holy Mighty One—God Himself—by our side, whose strength surpasses all and can conquer even death, a feat no one else can achieve.”
The Patriarch warmly welcomed the new Civil Governor of Mount Athos, extending sincere wishes for a successful tenure.
The congregation included clergy, Archons Offikalioi of the Great Church of Christ, Greek Parliament member Michael Chourdakis, Roman Nedilskyi (Consul General of Ukraine), along with his wife and consulate staff, as well as faithful from Constantinople and numerous pilgrims from Thessaloniki, Veria, and other parts of Greece.
Ecumenical Patriarch pays tribute to his predecessor, Patriarch Dimitrios
On the feast day of Saint Dimitrios, the Patriarch visited the Monastery of Zoodochos Pigi in Baloukli and conducted a Trisagion service at the tomb of his immediate predecessor, the late Patriarch Dimitrios, offering prayers for his soul.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
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