article is as follows:
Metropolitan Iakovos of Mexico and Exarch of Central America and the Caribbean Islands is continuing his pastoral visits in the east of his Province, now in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, just days after his visit to Colombia.
On Palm Sunday, April 28, 2024, Metropolitan Iakovos presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary in Caracas, Venezuela. During his sermon, he emphasized the significance of the feast and highlighted the “Great Paradox” of Jesus Christ’s entry into Jerusalem: “Put yourself in the shoes of our Lord. See the faces of those who shout ‘Hosanna’, see the children who lay palm branches as you enter the Holy City. Then realize that you know these faces! They are the same ones who will betray you, mock you, and slap you a few days later.” He concluded by stating, “To understand our current reality, to grasp the essence of this moment, we must ultimately echo the words of the centurion: ‘Truly this was the Son of God.’ It is through the infinite love of our God that He sacrificed His own blood for our redemption, an act of unparalleled magnitude and significance.”
Metropolitan Iakovos made his initial pastoral visit to Colombia between March 26 and April 9. Upon his arrival in the country, he was greeted by Bishop Timotheos of Assos, Supervisor of the Hierarchical District of Colombia and Venezuela, as well as clergy and youth from parishes in Bogotá.
During his stay in the capital, the Metropolitan led the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary. He also met with the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican in Colombia, Archbishop Paolo Rudelli, exchanging Easter greetings and discussing matters concerning the Orthodox Communities in a predominantly Roman Catholic country. Subsequently, Metropolitan Iakovos visited the Ministry of Interior, where he had a meeting with the Minister of Religious Affairs, Mr. Marcos Suarez, to discuss the importance of promoting constitutional religious freedom. He expressed his gratitude to the Minister for his ongoing support for the Orthodox community in Colombia.
On April 1, the Archbishop traveled to Pereira, where he conducted the Presanctified Liturgy, interacted with members of the local community who hosted a meal in his honor. He also met with Germain Orego Ourtado, the Anglican Bishop of New Granada (Colombia) and Archimandrite Chrysostomos Arias Charamigio, the priest of the local parish and head of the Theological Seminary of Pereira. Additionally, he visited the Kali community, whose parish is currently located in a Roman Catholic Cathedral.
Metropolitan Iakovos then traveled to Medellín, where he met with Spyros Kogas, the President of the Greek Community of Colombia, and other respected members of the local community. He also shared a meal with residents of an elderly care unit managed by the Community, fostering bonds of compassion and solidarity. On the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross, he celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Archangel Michael in Copacabana, the largest parish in the city of Medellin, with over 500 attendees.
Prior to his departure, Metropolitan Iakovos visited Cordoba to oversee the construction progress of the Church of St. Athanasius the Great. There, the youth of the community performed local songs. Before crossing the Colombian-Venezuelan border, he visited the local favelas, where refugees reside, distributing food and footwear packages.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
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