On the afternoon of Monday, August 26, 2024, a devoted congregation gathered for the Great Hierarchical Vespers and Holy Paraklesis in honor of the Holy Martyr Fanourios the New Phanar. The services were officiated by Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi at the Church of St. Stephen in the community of Yeşilköy.
Following the Holy Paraklesis, Elder Metropolitan Apostolos blessed the traditional “Fanouropita,” or “Saint Fanourios pies,” lovingly offered by pious Christians. The blessing of these pies is a cherished tradition associated with the commemoration of St. Fanourios.
The services were graced by the presence of Archimandrite Nikanor Papanikolaou, Abbot of the Holy Trinity Monastery of Sparmos in Olympus, and Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne, Georgios Ladoukakis. The Orthodox Christian Brotherhood “Saint Lydia” provided the chanting at the Sacred Analogion, adding to the solemnity and reverence of the occasion.
