Following a five-day pilgrimage and educational visit to the monastic community of Mount Athos, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, accompanied by the graduating students of Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology (Boston), visited on Saturday, May 30, the Holy Monastery of Timios Prodromos (St. John the Baptist) in Akritochori, Serres.
The purpose of the visit was to honor the memory of the late Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima, who passed away four years ago and is buried on the monastery grounds.
The late Hierarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was a close personal friend of Archbishop Elpidophoros, as they served together in Constantinople for more than twenty years.
The Divine Liturgy was presided over by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, who concelebrated with Metropolitan Makarios of Sidirokastro and Metropolitan Kyrillos of Krini.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a memorial service (Trisagion) was held at the tomb of the late Metropolitan Gennadios. The day concluded with a reception at the monastery’s Archontariki and a formal luncheon at the Trapeza.
Photos: Orthodox Observer/Panos Satzoglou
