Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew returned from Basel, Switzerland on Sunday, November 3, 2024, after presiding over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia) to commemorate its 20th inauguration anniversary. Patriarch Bartholomew, who was also present at the church’s groundbreaking and inauguration, delivered a touching speech honoring the church’s benefactors.
During his address, the Patriarch highlighted the immense love and dedication of the late benefactor, Sumela Terzani, a respected physician and devout member of the Orthodox community in Basel, who played a crucial role in the establishment of the church. He praised Terzani’s generosity and commitment to Orthodoxy, which were instrumental in dedicating the church to Christ, inspired by the Great Church of the Wisdom of God, as described by Fotis Kontoglou as “the mother of all churches.”
Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his gratitude for Terzani’s selfless contributions, which were made possible through her collaboration with Metropolitan Makarios, the former auxiliary bishop of Lampsakos and current Metropolitan of Anea. Together, they worked tirelessly to provide a spiritual home for the Orthodox faithful in Basel. The Patriarch also recognized the late Achilles and Elizabeth Komninos, who contributed to this sacred project at Terzani’s urging.
In honoring the memory of these generous benefactors, the Patriarch acknowledged them as exemplary figures of faith and virtue. He offered prayers for the repose of their souls, now at rest with the triumphant Church, hoping that their legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
The evening prior, the Patriarch blessed an official dinner hosted by the parish in celebration of the church’s anniversary and the 33rd anniversary of his enthronement as Ecumenical Patriarch.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas