On Saturday, January 17, 2026, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attended an event organized by the Ecclesiastical Committee of the Community of Panagia Paramythia in Vlach-Sarai.
The keynote speaker was Konstantinos Delikostantis, Archon Didaskalos of the Genos of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Director of the First Patriarchal Office. His lecture was entitled “The Celebration of the Great Anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council and the Contribution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.”
The large audience was welcomed by Pantelis Vygas, Archon Megas Chartophylax of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and President of the Ecclesiastical Committee of Vlach-Sarai. The speaker was then formally introduced by Antonios Chatzopoulos, Archon Hieromnemon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Director of the Historical Archive of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Following the lecture, the Ecumenical Patriarch blessed the traditional New Year’s Vasilopita of the Community. In his brief address, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew offered prayers for peace throughout the world in the coming year and congratulated the Ecclesiastical Committee and its President, Mr. Vygas, for their dedicated service to the Greek Orthodox community.
The lucky coin of the Vasilopita fell to the portion of the Phanar Greek Orthodox College (The Great School of the Nation), bringing great joy to its Director, Dimitrios Zotos, as well as to the students of the School, who earlier had chanted the traditional New Year’s carols.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
