Metropolitan Iakovos of Mexico and Exarch of Central America and the Caribbean Islands made his inaugural pastoral visit to the Orthodox community in the Cayman Islands from May 24 to May 27. Accompanying him was Archimandrite Philaret, Vicar General of the Metropolis, who had previously visited the Islands in March to lead the Divine Liturgy for the local faithful.
Upon arrival on Friday, May 24, members of the Orthodox Christian Spiritual Center of the Islands—the parish Mission Council of St. Demetrios, the sole Orthodox Community—warmly welcomed Metropolitan Iakovos and Archimandrite Philaret at Owen Roberts International Airport in George Town, the capital. That evening, discussions with various members of the parish council focused on matters concerning the life and activities of the Community, including its future growth and sustainability.
During his visit, Metropolitan Iakovos met with Deputy Prime Minister of the Cayman Islands, Andre Ebanks (MP of West Bay South), and Leader of the Opposition, Roy McTaggart (MP of George Town East) on Saturday, May 25. Both politicians were briefed on the “Mission of St. Demetrios” in the Cayman Islands, a legally registered religious community.
Subsequently, Metropolitan Iakovos had a meeting with Jerome Small of the Anglican Church of St. George Town, expressing gratitude for the Anglican community’s generosity in allowing the Orthodox Community to utilize their worship spaces for sacred services. The day concluded with a sanctification ceremony for the youth and other members of the Community.
On Sunday, May 26, the Sunday of the Paralytic, Metropolitan Iakovos presided over the Divine Liturgy in the Community of St. Demetrios. The service was conducted in both Greek and English to accommodate the diverse nationalities within the Orthodox community in the Cayman Islands, which includes locals, Greeks, Serbs, Bulgarians, Ukrainians, and Egyptians, making it essentially Pan-Orthodox.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Metropolitan participated in a meeting and dinner with members of the parish council, expressing gratitude for their commitment to the development of the Orthodox Community in the Cayman Islands. He encouraged them to uphold their faith and continue their God-pleasing work, assuring them of the Holy Metropolis of Mexico’s support and the regular dispatch of priests to administer holy sacraments.
Metropolitan Iakovos honored Mrs. Stella Zarafonitis, a distinguished member of the Council and one of the founders of the Orthodox Missionary Community in the Cayman Islands, by presenting her with an award. He praised her dedication and energy in fostering strong relations between the Community and the Metropolis, as well as her role in facilitating visiting priests for the celebration of holy mysteries and services.
On Monday, May 27, Metropolitan Iakovos and the Vicar General departed for Mexico, expressing gratitude for the hospitality of the parishioners and urging them to continue praying for the missionary endeavors of the Metropolis of the Ecumenical Throne.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
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