On Thursday, 20 July 2023, the Feast day of the Fiery Ascent of the Prophet Elijah the Tishbite was celebrated with due splendor at the Community of Chrysopolis (Skoutarion) of the Metropolis of Chalcedon.
The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was presided over by Metropolitan Stephanos of Kallioupolis and Madytos, following the invitation of the local Shepherd, Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, and was joined also by the Protosyncellus of the Holy Metropolis of Chalcedon, Archimandrite Evgenios Karatzas, Protopresbyter Konstantinos Kayandelen, and Deacons Fr. Asterios Bardaktsi and Fr. Panteleimon Kiose.
At the end of the Matins service, the blessing of the five loaves took place and the offered breads were blessed for the health of the Community Members. Several believers from Constantinople and the local Community attended the feast day celebrations.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Stephanos of Kallioupolis and Madytos, after warmly thanking Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel for the invitation and Bishop Smaragdos of Daphnousia, having close ties with the Community of Chrysopolis, since his ancestors rest in its cemetery, he spoke to the faithful about the person of the Prophet Elijah, inspired by the Apostolic reading of the day.
Bishop Smaragdos then offered his reply and after thanking Metropolitan Stephanos of Kallioupolis and Madytos for his blessed presence, he welcomed him to the Community and wished God, through the intercessions of the Holy Glorious Prophet Elijah, to grant him many years and strengthen him in his Hierarchical duties.