Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Parish of the Venerable Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John in Innsbruck on Saturday, January 11, 2025. He was assisted by Protopresbyter Emmanuel Dirla and the Parish Priest, Presbyter Nebojsa Grdinic.
After the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Arsenios blessed the waters in the presence of the parishioners. During his visit to Innsbruck, he also met with Roman Catholic Bishop Hermann Glettler for a fruitful discussion on various topics of mutual interest.
Prior to the dismissal, Metropolitan Arsenios elevated the parish priest, Presbyter Nebojsa Grdinic, to the rank of Economos-Stavrophoros. He thanked Fr. Emmanuel Dirla and his team for their dedicated service in the Innsbruck area. The Metropolitan introduced the new parish priest, Fr. Nebojsa, and urged the faithful to support him in continuing the Church’s work, ensuring that the Divine Liturgy is celebrated every Sunday in the city.
Metropolitan Arsenios wished the new priest strength in his ministry, encouraging him to follow the spirit of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and uphold the traditions of the Church. Following the Divine Liturgy, the Metropolitan, along with the clergy, performed the Blessing of the Waters and blessed the Vasilopita for the New Year, fostering fellowship and dialogue among the community. He then gave the Blessing of the Church and proceeded with his pastoral tour of Western Austria.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
