The Divine Liturgy for Christmas, according to the Julian calendar, was presided over by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, at the Holy Vatopedi Metochion of Saint Andrew in Galata. This location is where the Russian-speaking community of Constantinople gathers for worship.
Leading the Divine Liturgy was the Grand Archimandrite Iacobos, with assistance from the Deacon of the Great Church Epiphanios, in Church Slavonic. The Community Choir provided the chanting.
In his post-Dismissal sermon, the Patriarch extended warm Christmas wishes to the faithful present and emphasized the Mother Church’s care for all its spiritual children without discrimination.
The Patriarch highlighted the presence of the Bishop of the Roman Catholic community in Constantinople, Massimiliano Palinuro, and mentioned Pope Francis’s upcoming visit to Turkey to commemorate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea together.
He expressed hope for an end to wars and the establishment of peace worldwide, urging the faithful to pray for this intention. The Patriarch emphasized the Orthodox Church’s continuous prayers for global peace, unity, and the stability of all holy Churches.
Concluding his address, the Patriarch thanked the clergy serving the Russian-speaking community and all involved in their ministry.
Earlier, the Patriarch received a blessing from the Grand Preacher Panaretos, who highlighted the inclusive nature of the Russian-speaking community, welcoming Orthodox believers from various origins and nationalities.
Photo: Nikos Papachristou
