On Saturday, February 14, 2026 (Saturday of Souls), Orthros and a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy were celebrated at the Holy Monastery of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Makri, presided over by Metropolitan Grigorios of Ankyra, of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
For the first time since his recent ordination, the Metropolitan of Ankyra celebrated the Divine Liturgy in his homeland, with the blessing of Metropolitan Anthimos of Alexandroupolis.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy and following the customary memorial service for the departed, the officiating hierarch thanked the local shepherd for granting him permission and blessing to serve on this occasion, particularly at the Holy Monastery of Makri, which he visited as a pilgrim in order to pray for the repose of the soul of the late Elder Polykarpos Mantzaroglou, with whom he had been connected since childhood. With humility, emotion, and gratitude, he also asked for the Elder’s blessing for his new responsibilities.
He further asked Abbess Makrina and the sisterhood of the monastery to pray for him and for the faithful of the Metropolis of Ankyra.
The Metropolitan Gregory then served a Trisagion at the grave of the late Elder.
You can view the photos by clicking the link HERE.
