On Saturday, October 5, 2024, with a full congregation in attendance, the Blessing Ceremony (Agiasmos) was held to mark the start of the 2024-2025 Catechetical Year. The ceremony was led by Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi, at the Church of Saint George in the community of Makrochori.
From early on, children, young people, and older faithful gathered throughout the community spaces, sharing their joy for the start of this year’s activities organized by the Holy Metropolis.
After the Agiasmos, refreshments were offered to everyone in the community hall. Following this, the Metropolitan, acting as a loving father, gave a speech to warmly welcome the young and old friends and members of the Holy Metropolis of Derkoi and beyond. Notably, the children’s group, which includes those aged 4 to 15, now counts 23 children, while the youth groups have grown to include 16 or more young people, and the Greek language class now has 52 or more students from various areas. Additionally, everyone is welcome to attend movie night every Thursday in the Makrochori community hall and the Bible study circle every Saturday.
In his speech, the Metropolitan emphasized the importance and admirable nature of the catechetical work, saying: “For the fourth year, the Holy Metropolis of Derkoi, among other activities, continues its catechetical mission, aimed at the youth and children of our God-protected Eparchy. […] The Lord Jesus Christ Himself encouraged His disciples to spread the world-saving message of the Resurrection to all peoples and nations: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19). We, as shepherds of God’s people, are called to uphold this command, and as Christ taught us, we must keep our children close to us, close to God and our Church, and do everything we can to achieve this goal: “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these” (Luke 18:16).”
He also took a moment to commend those who work tirelessly, saying: “I would like to publicly express my warm congratulations, in your presence, to the Reverend Deacon Fr. Daniel and his gracious wife, Mrs. Efstathia Mania, for their dedicated, positive, and productive efforts, as well as to all who contribute to the education and development of our children.”
Afterward, attendees had the opportunity to watch a short video prepared by the associates of the Holy Metropolis, showcasing joyful moments from last year’s catechetical work, 2023-2024. In the end, amidst much applause and enthusiasm, everyone expressed their hope to expand the activities and participation this year, for, as the Metropolitan Elder Derkoi, Apostolos, noted during his address, “as long as we have Christ and the Church close to us, we do not lose our hope.”
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
