Following the Divine Liturgy at the newly built Church of Saint Ananias, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the Headquarters of the Regional Unit of Laconia. There, he held an initial meeting with Deputy Regional Governor Theodoros Veroutis in his office, during which symbolic gifts were exchanged, highlighting the spirit of mutual respect and collaboration.
The highlight of the day was the Ceremony of the Proclamation of the Ecumenical Patriarch as an Honorary Citizen of the Municipality of Sparta, held in the crowded venue hall. The event commenced with a warm greeting from the Mayor of Sparta, Michael Vakalopoulos, who expressed profound gratitude for the Patriarch’s historic visit and his acceptance of the unanimous proposal by the Municipal Council to receive the honorary title.
Describing the Patriarch as a “spiritual beacon,” the Mayor praised his virtuous life and diverse contributions as the leader of Orthodoxy, emphasizing the indelible impact of his actions on both a local and global scale.
The President of the Municipal Council, Stefanos Vrettakos, delivered an address extolling the Patriarch’s blessed activities, which was complemented by an audiovisual presentation showcasing his far-reaching spiritual contributions. Mayor Vakalopoulos then officially conferred the title of Honorary Citizen of Sparta on the Patriarch, presenting him with a commemorative plaque and symbolic gifts. In return, the Patriarch offered gifts as a token of his appreciation and love for the people of Sparta.
In his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch warmly thanked the Mayor, the President, and the members of the Municipal Council for this significant honor. Reflecting on the historical and spiritual heritage of Lacedaemonia, he remarked, “Sparta transcends nations and borders; it is a symbol of the Doric spirit, austerity, and strength. In this sense, both as Christians and as people, we must be Spartans.”
The Patriarch pledged to closely follow developments in the Municipality of Sparta and assured the citizens that Lacedaemonia and its pious people would remain in his prayers and heart.
The ceremony concluded with a heartfelt performance by the traditional choir of the School of Byzantine Music “Peter the Lacedaemonian” of the Holy Metropolis of Monemvasia and Sparta, under the direction of Professor Nikolaos Taprantzis. The songs honored the Patriarch and added a profound cultural and spiritual dimension to the event.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
