In a setting filled with deep emotion, reverence, and happiness, the Holy Metropolis of Monemvasia and Sparta warmly received His Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on the afternoon of Monday, November 25, 2024. This historic visit marked the first time the Primate of the Great Church of Christ visited Sparta, a significant moment for the local ecclesiastical community.
As the Patriarch entered the Metropolis, he was welcomed by Metropolitan Eustathios of Monemvasia and Sparta, Mayor Michail Vakalopoulos of Sparta, Peloponnese Regional Governor Dimitrios Ptochos, and other notable figures.
Accompanying the Patriarch were Metropolitan Joseph of Proikonnisos, Metropolitan Maximos of Silivria, Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Patriarchal Office Director Archimandrite Eleftherios Chrysokhoos, Deacon Anatolios Doxastakis, and esteemed members of the Patriarchal staff.
The procession proceeded to Sparta, where an official reception took place at the entrance of the Church of Saint Nikon, with clergy, local dignitaries, schoolchildren, cultural organizations, and a large number of faithful in attendance. The ceremony featured a military honor guard and band.
Doxology and Ceremonial Exchange
Following the Patriarch’s entrance into the church, a Doxology service was conducted with the Patriarch leading. Metropolitan Eustathios greeted the Patriarch, expressing deep gratitude and joy on behalf of the clergy and laity. He requested the Patriarch’s blessing for the faithful, especially the youth, who symbolize hope in challenging times.
The Metropolitan also thanked the Patriarch for the canonization of Hieromartyr Ananias Lambardis, former Metropolitan of Lakedaimonia. As a token of appreciation, Metropolitan Eustathios presented the Patriarch with a silver platter engraved with the image of Saint Ananias.
In his response, Patriarch Bartholomew expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and reflected on the spiritual significance of visiting the historic and blessed Metropolis of Monemvasia and Sparta. He honored the legacy of Saint Nikon and commended Metropolitan Eustathios for his dedicated pastoral work. The Patriarch also highlighted the enduring spiritual connection between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Peloponnese, mentioning Patriarch Gregory V of Demetsana as a unifying figure.
Gifts and Celebrations
The Patriarch presented a sacred Gospel, a replica of a cherished item from the Patriarchal treasury, to the Church of Saint Nikon. Additionally, he offered silver liturgical items and commemorative engolpia (pectoral crosses) to Metropolitan Eustathios, Auxiliary Bishop Theophilos of Lakedaimonia, and the parish priest, Father Athanasios Spiliotis.
The evening concluded with the Great Festive Vespers, led by the Patriarch and attended by Metropolitans Chrysostomos of Messenia, Theoktistos of Phocis, Chrysostomos of Mani, Nikephoros of Gortynos and Megalopolis, and Epiphanios of Mantineia and Kynouria, along with Auxiliary Bishops Theoklitos of Tegea and Theophilos of Lakedaimonia.
The evening’s services featured exceptional chanting by choirs from the Laconia Psalmists’ Association “Peter the Peloponnesian” and the Metropolis of Mantineia and Kynouria, adding to the grandeur of the event.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was attended by national and local officials, including MPs from Laconia, regional mayors, judicial representatives, and members of the education sector. The presence of military and police officials, as well as cultural associations, further underscored the importance of this historic visit.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
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