On the afternoon of his name day, Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece presided over the grand festive Vespers at the Church of Saint Spyridon in Oinofyta, Boeotia. The celebration marked the feast of Saint Ieronymos, the Archbishop’s heavenly patron.
The event was attended by a distinguished gathering, including Metropolitan Georgios of Guinea, representative of the Patriarchate of Alexandria in Athens; Archimandrite Ieronymos, Exarch of the Holy Sepulchre in Athens; numerous Metropolitans from Greece and abroad; Auxiliary Bishops; Greece’s Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Ms. Sofia Zacharaki; and many other dignitaries.
The Divine Word was preached by Archimandrite Theologos Alexandrakis, Director of the Pastoral Education Foundation of the Archdiocese of Athens. His sermon highlighted the life and work of Venerable Ieronymos, and he also praised Archbishop Ieronymos for his pastoral dedication: “You are the open embrace of the Father, within which many souls seek and find the path of salvific return to the Church’s fold. You are the wise and prudent helmsman of the ecclesiastical ship amid difficult times of social challenges. Like your namesake Saint, you stand with resurrection hope before ominous situations, always with patience and forgiveness.
It is a special joy and blessing that you celebrate your name day for the first time in your birthplace, Oinofyta, among your people who love you, have learned from your example, and honor you not only as a Hierarch but also as their spiritual Father.
Oinofyta, a place of meeting of diverse cultures and religious traditions, today becomes a point of unity, understanding, and mutual respect.”
Archbishop Ieronymos thanked everyone for their presence and prayers, expressing special gratitude to Minister Zacharaki for her contributions to the Ministry of Education, as well as to Ms. Agapidaki for their excellent cooperation.
Following the service, the Archbishop attended the inauguration of the Folklore and Historical Collection at the Oinofyta Center of Ecclesiastical Ministry. The exhibition is dedicated to the memory, identity, and traditions of the region. The blessing of the opening was performed by Metropolitan Georgios of Thebes and Livadeia, who spoke on the significance of this cultural exhibition.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas / Photos: Christos Bonis
