Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, August 23, for the Apodosis (Leave-Taking) of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos at the Church of Agioi Theodoroi in his native village of Imbros.
Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Myra and Metropolitan Iakovos of Mexico concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with the Ecumenical Patriarch, while Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos prayerfully attended the service.
Clergymen, nuns, Archons Offikialioi of the Great Church of Christ, officials from Imbrian Associations, and numerous faithful were present at the service.
The Divine Word was preached by the Metropolitan of Mexico.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a procession of the icon of the Virgin Mary took place, leading from the Church to the nearby Church of St. George, where the Artoklasia service was performed.
Afterward, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his deep joy at being able to celebrate both the Feast of the Dormition and the Leave-taking of the Virgin Mary alongside his compatriots from Imbros, as well as with the expatriate children and friends of the island. He wished that the Grace of the Most Holy Theotokos would protect and guide them all.
He then introduced the Metropolitan of Mexico to the congregation, emphasizing that despite the short time since his election and enthronement, he has been diligently serving the flock of his missionary province, which includes numerous communities across nearly 50 states in Central and Latin America.
In concluding his remarks, he expressed his deep gratitude to the Metropolitan of Imbros and Tenedos for the significant work accomplished in his island ecclesiastical province. He also highlighted the importance of the upcoming Panimbrian Conference, which will be held next month in Athens, where he will be present to offer his blessings and support for its endeavors.
Immediately afterward, a festive event organized by the Metropolis took place in the neighboring Hall of the Association for Protection, Solidarity, and Sustainable Development “Imbros.” As part of the celebration, a group of members from the Lyceum of Greek Women in Drama performed traditional dances.
Yesterday afternoon, the Ecumenical Patriarch presided over the Grand Vespers of the feast, during which the Divine Word was delivered by Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Private Patriarchal Office.
At the conclusion of the service, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed warm words of appreciation for his close associate, Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, praising his many gifts, particularly his dedication and tireless work.
Following the service, the Ecumenical Patriarch attended a cultural event featuring a performance by the “Ionia Aidon” choir from Heraklion, Crete. The choir delighted the audience with traditional Cretan music and songs.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou / Ecumenical Patriarchate
