Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy on Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at the Church of St. Nicholas in Tzivali.
After the Dismissal, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew ordained Hieromonk Methodios Volostchenko, Head of the Ukrainian-speaking Community of Constantinople, which functionally served in this old and gorgeous Church, to the Offikion of the Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne.
In his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his particular joy at being close to the members of the Ukrainian-speaking Community of Constantinople, because, as he said, they are beloved spiritual children of the Mother Church, who emigrated, found themselves away from their homeland, and in times of peace and war, as in the last year, and are worthy of love and support.
He then recalled that on the feast of Mid-Pentecost the Great Church of the Wisdom of God celebrated.
“This Church, in which your ancestors admired the greatness of God, was restored, and this emotion of theirs, transferred to Prince Vladimir, caused the whole Rus’ people to be christened and baptized. Therefore, on this day of Mid-Pentecost, you must especially celebrate it always with emotion, with joy, and with enthusiasm.”
Subsequently, the Ecumenical Patriarch referred to the new Archimandrite of the Ecumenical Throne, Methodios Volostchenko, expressing his satisfaction for his diligence and dedication to the tasks assigned to him by the Mother Church.
As he said, in the short time since his ordination by Metropolitan Job of Pisidia and his appointment as Hierarchical Head of the Ukrainian-speaking Community, “he showed all his virtues, his abilities, his philotimo, his industriousness, and was loved by the faithful.”
He expressed the certainty that the new Archimandrite will continue with zeal, but also with the humility and modesty that distinguishes him, his beautiful sacred ministry in the Church of St. Nicholas and throughout the Ukrainian community of Constantinople.
He urged the faithful to love him, support him and help him in his work and welcomed the harmonious cooperation he has with the Consulate General of Ukraine in Constantinople.
“Today’s honorable distinction to Fr. Methodius is not only towards him, but it is through him towards the whole Ukrainian community, which we surround with affection, love, and interest. In honoring your Hierarchical Head, we honor all of you,” the Patriarch stressed.
In his brief reply, the new Archimandrite warmly thanked the Ecumenical Patriarch for his love and support for the Ukrainians living in Constantinople, and for the honor to him, which, as he said, is reflected throughout the Ukrainian-speaking flock.
The service was attended by the Consul General of Ukraine in Constantinople, Roman Nedilskyi, with his wife and executives of Gen. Consulate, as well as members of the Ukrainian-speaking Community.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou / Ecumenical Patriarchate
