On Sunday, October 27, 2024, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew led the Consecration of the newly renovated Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos (Evangelistria) at the foothills of Tatavla. He also officiated at the Divine Liturgy.
This beautiful church, originally constructed at the end of the 19th century on the site of an older church, has been fully renovated to its former glory. This transformation was made possible by the generous contributions of Archon Exarch Athanasios Martinos, President of the Brotherhood of Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate “Panagia Pamakaristos,” and his wife, Marina Martinos.
Attendees included Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Myra, Bishops Kassianos of Arabissos and Paisios of Xanthoupolis, the Martinos couple, Greek Consul General in Constantinople Konstantinos Koutras, Alkiviadis Stefanis, Civil Administrator of Mount Athos, Manolis Kefalogiannis, Member of the European Parliament, and many faithful individuals from the city and beyond.
The sermon was delivered by Deacon Oikoumenios Amanatidis, Deputy Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod.
After the service, the Ecumenical Patriarch led a Trisagion in memory of the recently deceased Athena (Nounou) Martinos, mother of Athanasios Martinos.
In his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch stressed the importance of steadfast faith in God and the virtue of patience during difficult times. He cited the examples of Saint Demetrios the Myrrh-Streamer and Saint Nestor, encouraging the attendees to uphold the traditions and customs of the Greek Orthodox Church for future generations.
The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed gratitude to Athanasios and Marina Martinos for their contributions to the restoration of the church, highlighting their love for the Church and the Nation.
The Martinos family’s act of devotion is truly touching, as it adds to their long history of generous donations. Their most significant contribution has been the sponsorship of the restoration and expansion of the Holy Theological School of Halki, a project that is well underway and expected to be completed by the fall of 2026.
The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his gratitude to Metropolitan Stephanos for overseeing the restoration works with dedication and excellence. Metropolitan Stephanos had previously highlighted the church’s history and restoration efforts, thanking the Patriarch and the donors for their support.
Athanasios Martinos and his wife Marina were specifically praised for their generous contributions to the restoration of the church, becoming Great Benefactors of the Community.
The President of the Church Committee also addressed the Ecumenical Patriarch during the event.
In addition to the church-related activities, the Ecumenical Patriarch attended an event organized by the Ecumenical Federation of Constantinopolitans to honor the memory of the renowned Greek physician, Marko Pasha. The Patriarch commended the organizers and the honored physicians in his speech.
Overall, the Martinos family’s dedication to the church and the community is truly commendable, and their contributions will be remembered for years to come.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
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