With the blessing of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, a Hierarchical Synaxis of the clergy of the Archdiocese of Constantinople was held on Sunday, March 3, 2024, at the Holy Trinity Church of the Great Community of Stavrodromi.
First, the Grand Protosyncellus Gregory spoke to the clergy about practical and administrative issues, and then, in the presence of the Ecumenical Patriarch, Protocyncellus Thomas Chrysikos, clergyman of the Holy Archdiocese of Athens, delivered a speech.
Additionally, Metropolitan Andreas of Forty Churches, Hierarchical Head of the Community of Stavrodromi and Bishop Benjamin of Trallee were also present. At the same time, in a room of the adjacent Community building, the spouses of the married clergy had a meeting and extensive discussion with Konstantina Chrysikou, wife of Fr. Thomas.
Following the speeches and the discussion, the Ecumenical Patriarch blessed the common meal at the premises of the Community’s soup kitchen where he addressed the clergy of the Archdiocese and their wives, giving advice and strengthening them in the multidimensional work they are called to perform in the context of their ministry in Constantinople.
Among other things, he pointed out:
“All members of the Holy Clergy of the Great Church, from the Patriarch to the newly ordained deacon, have a common vision of our identity and sacred mission. We recognize the profound significance and weight of the ministry of the deacon within Christ’s Church, inherently linked to sacrificial devotion, a steadfast readiness to serve, and the complete dedication of both mind and body to duty.
It is essential to always bear in mind our identity as clergy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the venerable Throne of Christ, the renowned Great Church. For countless centuries, it has faithfully ministered to God’s people from Constantinople, rendering invaluable service to the Greek Nation and global culture. Today, it remains dedicated to cultivating culture, guiding people worldwide, and upholding unwavering fidelity to the Apostolic and Patristic traditions, doctrinal integrity, and canonical order. Simultaneously, it listens attentively to the signs of the times and empathizes with the complexities of human freedom’s journey.
It is also the pillar of our Diaspora here in Turkey, the guarantee for its present and future. The Late Metropolitan, John of Pergamon, whose theological prowess served as the bedrock of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for many years, said that our Patriarchate is such an important institution that if it didn’t exist, it would need to be invented.
The Ecumenical Patriarch then stressed:
“The Ecumenical Patriarchate is steadfast and unshakable, destined to persist for generations to come. He will continue to testify about the truth of Christ, about faith, love and hope, in a world that often seems to forget, that without reference to God and spiritual values it is impossible not only to save its culture and humanitarian orientation, but also to ensure its survival.
This truth is represented, symbolized and expressed by every clergyman, to which his presence, his testimony, his ministry refer. We do not belong to ourselves but to Christ. We are preachers of His Cross and Resurrection, which is the tangible expression of His love for man, His sacrifice for his salvation and His supreme gift to him, the opening of the way for deification by grace and eternal life in His heavenly Kingdom.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his joy for the realization of the Synaxis, congratulating the organizers, headed by the Grand Protosyncellus, but also Protopresbyter Thomas Chrysikos for his very interesting speech, and the President of the Great Community of Stavrodromi, George Papaliaris for the kind hospitality.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
Source: Ecumenical Patriarchate / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
