The Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki has announced the upcoming visit of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the Greek co-capital. The Patriarch will be participating in a festive event at the Ceremony Hall of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki on Wednesday morning, 25 September 2024, in celebration of the centenary of its establishment, in response to an invitation from the Medical Association of Thessaloniki.
During his visit from Tuesday afternoon, 24 September, to Thursday, 26 September, the Ecumenical Patriarch will inaugurate the International Oncology Centre of the European Interbalkan Medical Centre of Thessaloniki on Wednesday evening, 25 September. He will also unveil the new facilities for the “Byzantine Thessaloniki” Organization, located in a building provided by the Holy Patriarchal and Stavropegic Vlatadon Monastery.
On Thursday, 26 September 2024, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will officiate during the Matins and preside over the Divine Liturgy at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Gregory Palamas, coinciding with the feast of the Holy Glorious Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian.
The announcement from the Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki highlights the significance of the Patriarch’s visit, noting his role in preserving the name of Macedonia. The local Church of the neighboring state with Skopje as its capital cannot bear the name of Macedonia or any derivative thereof, as defined by His All-Holiness our Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Patriarchate.
The announcement concludes with an invitation for the clergy, archons, and faithful people to attend the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy on Thursday, 26 September 2024, at the Metropolitan Church of Thessaloniki, in celebration of the visit of His All-Holiness our Ecumenical Patriarch.