The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew departed today, Thursday, September 19, 2024, from his headquarters for a multi-day visit to Greece.
During this visit, he will attend various invitations and visit the Metropolises of Polyani and Kilkis, Thessaloniki, and Nea Smyrni. In the capital, he will also participate in and address the Panimbrian Conference, as well as attend a concert at the Herodes Atticus Odeon to support schools in his native Imbros.
The Patriarch’s entourage includes Metropolitans of Smyrna Bartholomew and Drama Dorotheos; the Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Special Patriarchal Office; Deacon Oikoumenios Amanatidis, Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod; and Tritevon Barnabas. Also accompanying him are Nikolaos-George Papachristou, Director of the Press and Communication Office of the Ecumenical Patriarch, and Panagiotis Grafiadelis, a Patriarchal staff member.
During the Patriarch’s absence, Metropolitan Elder Apostolos of Derkoi has been appointed as the locum tenens. He, along with Chief Secretary Grigorios, accompanied the Patriarch to the city’s airport.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou