On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew led the Divine Liturgy in the Patriarchal Church to commemorate the Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas. Grand Ecclesiarch Gregory also participated in the service.
Concelebrating with the Ecumenical Patriarch were several Archpriests, including Elder Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Elder Apostolos of Derkoi, and many others from various regions.
After the service, Metropolitan Elder Emmanuel of Chalcedon spoke on behalf of the Hierarchy of the Throne, expressing love and honor on behalf of those present and absent Bishops.
In his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed gratitude for the love and honor shown by those present and those who sent their well wishes. He highlighted the importance of apostolic work in the Church and its role in spreading the Gospel of salvation.
He emphasized the Church’s mission to bear witness to the world while remaining faithful to tradition and adapting to present realities. The Patriarch also encouraged the younger generation to draw inspiration from the Orthodox tradition and uphold values of truth, sacrifice, and service.
In conclusion, the Patriarch thanked his colleagues, co-workers, and supporters of the Mother Church for their dedication and assistance.
After the Divine Liturgy, the Ecumenical Patriarch was greeted in the Patriarchate by the Venerable Hierarchy of Turkey, who presented him with a festive gift. This was followed by the clergy and laity of the Patriarchal Court, led by the Grand Ecclesiastic Gregory, who spoke to the Patriarch, receiving fatherly words in return.
Subsequently, the monks of the Holy Monastery of the Venerable Forerunner – Bigorski of the Archdiocese of Ohrid conveyed warm wishes and respect from their Abbot, Bishop Parthenios of Antania, and his brotherhood to the Ecumenical Patriarch.
Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, along with the students of the High School of Imbros, expressed their wishes, respect, and gratitude to the Patriarch, who hails from their birthplace.
On the eve of the feast, a delegation from the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Church of Crete, led by Archbishop Eugenios, visited the Ecumenical Patriarch to convey warm wishes from the Hierarchy, clergy, and people.
Photo: Nikos Papachristou
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