On Monday, 9 December 2024, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Alypius in the Holy Metropolis of Pisidia. The church, celebrating its 180th anniversary, was attended by Bishop Ambrosios of Evdokiada, clergy, heterodox clergy, the Consul of Ukraine in Antalya, and faithful from various backgrounds.
In his Address, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew spoke about Saint Alypius and the history of the church’s construction. He highlighted the restoration of the church after years of silence and praised the efforts of Late Metropolitan Sotirios of Pisidia for its revival.
The Patriarch emphasized the unity of the multinational Christian community in Antalya and encouraged them to live in harmony, free from discrimination. He urged them to participate in liturgical life and be a shining example of morality and virtue in the community.
The Patriarch expressed gratitude to the State and Municipal Authorities for their support in restoring the church as a place of peace and reconciliation.
Their kind and generous demeanor is a tribute to modern Turkey!
Following this, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew delivered a greeting in Turkish.
Metropolitan Job of Pisidia then spoke, welcoming the Patriarch once again to Attaleia and honoring the history of the Church.
The only Orthodox Church in Antalya, dedicated to Saint Alypius, stands as a testament to the providence of Your All-Holiness. Thanks to your care, this Church now thrives as the center of Orthodox life in Antalya. The anniversary of its founding by the venerable first founders is a blessed occasion, made even more special with your presence.
This Church, the only one of the ten magnificent Churches in the city to have been preserved, was saved through your providence and the efforts of Metropolitan Sotirios. The city of Attaleia and the Holy Metropolis of Pisidia welcome you to this reborn Orthodox presence, where sorrow is comforted, curses are lifted, and the Church continues to thrive, thanks to the sacrifices of many.
After a trisagion for the Late Metropolitan Sotirios, a musical event was held in honor of His All-Holiness. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew then blessed the newly renovated Bishop’s quarters, which will serve as a spiritual center for Orthodox life and witness.
As the Metropolitan of Pisidia mentioned, the renovated building will be a place of sacrifice and testimony for the Orthodox nation, blessed by Your All-Holiness. We pledge to continue our ministry with strength and dedication, following in the footsteps of our predecessors. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in his response, expressed his satisfaction with the Chief Shepherd, Metropolitan Job, his assistant Bishop, and all their collaborators for their ministry and multidimensional work. May Your Patriarchal and paternal wishes and blessings strengthen us in our endeavors.
Photographs: Nikos Papachristou / source: vema.com.au