With deep emotion and prayerful solemnity, a Divine Liturgy for the repose of the soul of the late Metropolitan Theoleptos of Iconium was celebrated at the Patriarchal Church of St. George in the Phanar.
Metropolitan Theoleptos, who fell asleep in the Lord on Thursday, June 18, at the age of 69, devoted decades of faithful service to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Mother Church of Constantinople.
The Divine Liturgy was presided over by Metropolitan Stephanos of Kallipolis and Madytos. Immediately following the service, the Funeral Service for the departed hierarch will be chanted in the presence of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne, clergy, and numerous faithful.
According to decisions taken during the extraordinary meeting of the hierarchs present in Constantinople under the presidency of the Ecumenical Patriarch, the Church’s mourning will be officially represented by Metropolitan Meliton of Philadelphia and Metropolitan Eirinaios of Myriophyton and Peristasis. The funeral oration will be delivered by Deacon Evlogios Tsatsas, Codicographer of the Holy and Sacred Synod.
Following the completion of the Funeral Service, the burial of the late Metropolitan will take place at the Cemetery of the Holy Transfiguration in Şişli.
The repose of Metropolitan Theoleptos has brought profound sorrow to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the wider Orthodox community. Remembered for his dedication, ecclesiastical integrity, and unwavering service, he leaves behind a rich spiritual legacy and a lasting contribution to the life and ministry of the Ecumenical Throne.
