Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Great Vespers for the feast of the Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas at the Patriarchal Church on Monday, June 10, 2024. The service was attended by numerous Hierarchs, clergy, monks, and believers. Notable attendees included Bishop Massimiliano Palinuro of the Roman Catholics in Constantinople, Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras, Ambassador Dimitrios Rallis, Roman Nedilskyi, students from diaspora schools, and many others.
After the Vespers, the Patriarch performed a Trisagion service in memory of Metropolitan Agathonikos of Kitros and Hieromonk Bartholomew Koutloumousianos. He then proceeded to the Patriarchal Urban School of Maraslis for a Sanctification rite to mark the completion of its renovation.
In his address, the Patriarch expressed gratitude for the reopening of the school, thanking the sponsors and project leaders. He highlighted the importance of educational institutions like Maraslis in preserving the Greek community’s identity and culture.
The Patriarch emphasized the connection between the Greek diaspora, education, and faith, stating that the school represents the ideals of education and the nobility of the community. He concluded by declaring the school’s mission to be inseparable from the life and culture of the Greek Diaspora.
Following the ceremony, a reception was held where the Patriarch received congratulations from attendees.
Students from Greek diaspora schools surprised him with bouquets of flowers. The photos were captured by Nikos Papachristou and translated by Konstantinos Menyktas.
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The students’ gesture was heartwarming, and the images captured the joy and appreciation shared during the special moment. It was a beautiful display of gratitude from the young members of the Greek diaspora community.
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