Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew returned late on Sunday, November 3, 2024, from Basel, Switzerland, where he presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia) to commemorate the 20th anniversary of its inauguration. Patriarch Bartholomew, who had also officiated the church’s groundbreaking and inauguration, marked the occasion with a moving speech that honored the memory of the church’s benefactors.
In his remarks, the Patriarch emphasized the profound love and dedication of the late benefactor, Sumela Terzani, a distinguished physician and devoted member of the Orthodox community in Basel, who played a vital role in establishing the church. He noted that Terzani’s generosity and commitment to Orthodoxy were pivotal in dedicating the church to Christ, inspired by the Great Church of the Wisdom of God, described by Fotis Kontoglou as “the mother of all churches.”
Patriarch Bartholomew expressed gratitude for Terzani’s selfless contributions, made possible through her collaboration with Metropolitan Makarios, then auxiliary bishop of Lampsakos and now Metropolitan of Anea. Together, they worked quietly and sacrificially to provide Orthodox faithful in Basel with a spiritual home. He also acknowledged the late Achilles and Elizabeth Komninos, who contributed to this sacred project at Terzani’s urging.
The Patriarch honored the memory of these generous benefactors, recognizing them as exemplary figures of faith and virtue. He prayed for the repose of their souls, now resting with the triumphant Church, hoping their legacy would continue to inspire future generations.
On the previous evening, the Patriarch blessed an official dinner held by the parish in honor of both the church’s anniversary and the 33rd anniversary of his enthronement as Ecumenical Patriarch.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
