Following the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Archangels on Friday, November 8, 2024, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his joy over the improved relations between Turkey and Greece. He extended his gratitude to those contributing to this effort, especially the leaders of the two neighboring countries.
Patriarchal Deacon Anatolios Doxastakis delivered the sermon during the service.
Among those attending were Hierarchs Hilarion of Winnipeg, Athinagoras of Kydonia, Hierarchical Head of the Bosphorus Region, and Job of Pisidia. Also present were Archons of the Holy Great Church of Christ, Greece’s Deputy Minister of Education, Religious Affairs, and Sports Zetta Makri, Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras, Consul General of Greece in Constantinople, and Georgios Kalantzis, Secretary General of Religious Affairs of Greece’s Ministry of Education. Additionally, high school students and teachers from Trikala, Thessaly, and a delegation from the Zografeio Lyceum of Constantinople led by its Director Ioannis Demirtzoglou were in attendance, along with many faithful individuals from Constantinople and Greece.
Following the service, the Ecumenical Patriarch performed a Trisagion for the repose of the souls of late Patriarchs Sophronius II, Gabriel IV, Constantius II, and Gregory VI, as well as for the departed Hierarchs of the Mother Church, whose remains are interred in the church precinct.
During the reception in the Community Hall, the Ecumenical Patriarch spoke about the significance of the feast of the Holy Archangels and its connection to the Church’s mission.
The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his gratitude for the improved relations between Turkey and Greece, attributing it to the positive efforts of both nations. He specifically mentioned the President of the Republic of Turkey and the Prime Minister of Greece as leaders fostering this renewed cooperation. The Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized the importance of friendship and cooperation between Turkey and Greece, especially in the face of international challenges.
He highlighted the progress in education cooperation between the two nations and expressed optimism for the future of their relationship.
The Ecumenical Patriarch delivered a powerful message at the Church of the Archangels in İstinye, setting high expectations for the attendees. The Great Vespers ceremony was presided over by the Patriarch on the eve of the feast, with a sermon by Grand Hierokyrix Panaretos. In his address, the Patriarch emphasized the importance of sacrifice and struggle in achieving a place among the Angelic Forces in the heavenly realm. The event was captured in stunning photos by Nikos Papachristou. Please provide a different version.
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