The Vespers Service of the Resurrection took place on Easter Sunday morning, May 5, 2024, in a solemn manner.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, accompanied by Hierarchs Athenagoras of Vizi, Meliton of Philadelphia, Eirinaios of Myriofyton and Peristasis, Theoliptos of Iconium, Theodore of Seleucia, and Tikhon of Tiberiopolis from the Church of Bulgaria, as well as the clergy of the Patriarchal Court, led the Vespers service at the Patriarchal Cathedral.
The Gospel was read in Greek by the Ecumenical Patriarch, followed by readings from the hierarchs and clergy of the Ecumenical Throne. Representatives from different Christian communities of Constantinople also participated, reading the Gospel in various languages.
The Ambassadors of Greece and Ukraine in Ankara, Theodoros Bizakis and Vasyl Bodnar, along with the Consuls General of these two countries in Constantinople, Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras, and Roman Nedilskyi, their families, associates, representatives from the Consulates General of Bulgaria, Georgia, Sweden, and Australia, Archons of the Ecumenical Throne, and many believers from Constantinople and beyond, attended the service.
After the Divine Liturgy, the Ecumenical Patriarch distributed Easter eggs to the congregation.
During the reception in the Throne Room, a delegation from the Turkish Opposition Party (CHP), led by the President of the Constantinople Provincial Chairman, as well as Mayors İnan Güney (Beyoğlu), Resul Emrah Şahan (Şişli), and Rıza Akpolat (Beşiktaş), with their associates, were also present.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou / Translated by Thanos Chrysanthopoulos
