The Great Feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ was solemnly celebrated at the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, which was concelebrated by several Metropolitans and Abbots.
During the Divine Liturgy, Deacon Barnabas Christodoulou was ordained to the rank of Presbyter by the Ecumenical Patriarch.
Various dignitaries and representatives, including clergy, monks, and ambassadors, attended the service.
After the service, the Ecumenical Patriarch met with the Ambassador of Greece and the Abbot of the Vatopedi Monastery.
At a festive reception, the Ecumenical Patriarch offered advice to the newly ordained Presbyter, emphasizing the importance of his role and responsibilities.
The Ecumenical Patriarch also highlighted the need for priests to be informed about worldly matters and to engage in dialogue between theology and science.
He encouraged the newly ordained Presbyter to embrace the tradition of the Church while remaining relevant and timely in proclaiming the Gospel.
The complexity of addressing the causes and effects of a certain condition is often hindered by the lack of recognition of the risks involved.
Additionally, the Ecumenical Patriarch was greeted with heartfelt festive wishes from the Mayors of Beyoğlu (Pera), İnan Güney; Şişli, Resul Emrah Şahan; and Sariyer, Mustafa Oktay Aksu, along with a representative from the Municipality of Beşiktaş. In his brief speech in Turkish, the Patriarch expressed gratitude for their presence, highlighting the importance of unity and solidarity, especially in regions like the Middle East where many are suffering due to war. He called for peace and urged politicians to seek resolution through dialogue.
The Patriarch also showed support for the Patriarchate of Antioch in Syria, emphasizing the need for equality among all citizens regardless of religion. He expressed hope for the country’s new leaders to serve their people justly.
Looking ahead, the Patriarch shared his excitement for the upcoming visit of the Pope to Turkey and extended Christmas and New Year greetings to all Christians and citizens in the country.
At noon, the Patriarch blessed the Christmas table at Maraslis School, inviting monks from Constantinople to celebrate Christmas together in a warm and familial setting.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
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