On Sunday, March 17, 2024, in the afternoon, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew led the Vespers of Forgiveness at the Patriarchal Church. Following the service, attended by High Priests, the Fathers of the Patriarchal Court, clergy, monks, nuns, and Archbishops, the faithful sought and received forgiveness and the Patriarchal blessing from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, marking the commencement of the spiritual period of the Holy and Great Lent.
On the same morning, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy, amidst a large congregation, delivering words of spiritual guidance and edification.
After the Gospel reading, the Archimandrite of the Holy and Sacred Synod, Archimandrite Bosporus, read the Ecumenical Patriarch’s Catechetical Homily for the opening of Holy and Great Lent.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou