Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew participated in the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Sunday, August 18, 2024, at the Metropolitan Church of Imbros, celebrating the feast of the Saints of Imbros and Tenedos. The service was officiated by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras, with the presence of Metropolitans Kyrillos of Moschonisia, Chrysostomos of Myra, and Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, along with Bishop Parthenios of Antania from the Archdiocese of Ohrid. The liturgy was attended by clergy, monks, nuns, Archons Offikalioi of the Great Church of Christ, and many faithful believers.
Following the Dismissal, the Metropolitan of Imbros and Tenedos warmly welcomed Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras, who had arrived on the island the previous day. He expressed heartfelt thanks to him for bringing and presenting a fragment of the holy relic of Saint Gervasios of Patras, which was placed in the center of the soleas for veneration by the faithful. In response, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras shared his deep emotion for visiting the historically significant but long-suffering land of Imbros, and he spoke at length about the ministry and contributions of the island’s most distinguished “offspring,” the Ecumenical Patriarch.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew then addressed the congregation, warmly welcoming the Metropolitan of Patras and emphasizing that his presence on the island was a source of great joy. He described the transfer of the relic fragment as a profound blessing for the people of Imbros.
At noon, the Patriarch hosted a luncheon in honor of Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras and his entourage. Later in the afternoon, he welcomed them to a small museum dedicated to his life and ministry, located next to his childhood home in the village of Saints Theodore.
Immediately afterwards, the Ecumenical Patriarch, along with Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras, the newly arrived Metropolitan Iakovos of Mexico, clergy, and a large audience, attended a cultural event. The event was organized by the Holy Metropolis of Imbros and Tenedos and the Mount Athos Center and took place in the Hall of the Association for Protection, Solidarity, and Sustainable Development “Imbros,” located in his village.
During the event, watercolor paintings of the 20 Holy Monasteries of Mount Athos, created by Hieromonk Loukas Xenofontinos, were exhibited, and the documentary “Sacred Art” by Panos Karkanevatos was screened. The local Metropolitan and Anastasios Douros, the Director of the Mount Athos Center, presented the event. In his brief closing remarks, the Ecumenical Patriarch congratulated the artists and everyone who contributed to the event’s success.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
