The Sunday of Orthodoxy was celebrated on Sunday, 9 March 2025, at the Holy See of the First-Throne Church of Constantinople, in accordance with tradition and with great solemnity.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew led the Patriarchal and Synodal Divine Liturgy, joined by Metropolitan Epiphaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine in concelebration.
Other participants in the Divine Liturgy included Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Metropolitan Meliton of Philadelphia, Metropolitan Andreas of Arkalochori Kastelli and Viannos, Metropolitan Paisios of Leros, Kalymnos and Astypalaia, Metropolitan Yevstratiy of Bila Tserkva, Metropolitan Sevastianos of Atlanta, Metropolitan Maximos of Switzerland, Metropolitan Iakovos of Ireland, Metropolitan Iakovos of Mexico, and Archbishop Daniel of Pamphilon.
The sermon was delivered by Archimandrite Isidoros Katsos, Assistant Professor of Theological Epistemology and Philosophy at the University of Athens.
During the Divine Liturgy, the Ecumenical Patriarch ordained Mr. Athanasios Karagiannidis from Athens to the Holy Diaconate, giving him the name Germanos. The new deacon will serve in the Holy Metropolis of Ireland.
A large number of Hierarchs, clergy, Athonite Monks, Archons of the Holy Great Church of Christ, and other dignitaries attended the Divine Liturgy.
Following the Dismissal, a Trisagion was conducted for the souls of those who fought for the Orthodox faith. A procession of Holy Icons took place, and blessings were given by the Ecumenical Patriarch and Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine.
At the reception, the Ecumenical Patriarch welcomed Metropolitan Epiphaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine and addressed the situation in Ukraine, expressing hope for peace.
The Patriarch offered paternal advice to the new deacon, emphasizing the importance of ministry and love in his service.
The name “Germanos” was chosen in honor of Saint Germanos and Metropolitan Germanos Strinopoulos, with a call to emulate their missionary zeal.
Metropolitan Epiphaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine also spoke, highlighting the historical ties between Ukraine and Constantinople.
He expressed gratitude for the unity in Christ and prayers offered by the Ecumenical Patriarch during the current crisis in Ukraine.
The celebration of the renewal of the veneration of holy icons was marked with reverence and prayer.
By coming together to celebrate holy services, we reflect unity and embody the true unity of the Church of Christ. Your All-Holiness, in a recent address to the Ukrainian community on the anniversary of Russia’s aggression, you spoke truthfully about the satanic nature of the aggression and the harmful ideology of the “Russian world.” Your unwavering testimony and support are appreciated as we strive for peace. The ordination of Deacon Germanos and the tonsure of Mr. Athanasios Karagiannidis as a monk were significant events in the presence of His All-Holiness. The images captured during these events showcase the reverence and unity within the Orthodox community. Please rewrite this sentence.
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