Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attended the Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, 27 October, while he was prayerfully praying in the altar at the Holy Chapel of St. Demetrios in Agridia.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Metropolitan Kyrillos of Moschonissia, who was also celebrating his 35th episcopal consecration anniversary.
In his homily, the Ecumenical Patriarch praised the Metropolitan of Moschonissia for his work, especially during the 18 years that he has served at the Holy Metropolis of Imbros and Tenedos, and for his interest in the restoration of the churches and the chapels located on the two islands.
“I have said it many times before, every time I speak about him and about his work, that he renovated many churches in our villages and many chapels in the countryside, which prove the piety of our ancestors,” the Ecumenical Patriarch said referring to the Metropolitan of Moschonissia and to the strengthening of the capacity in the Metropolis with new clergy.
“We congratulate him, we thank him, as Imbrians, for what he has offered”, he added and wished God to give him strength in order to recover following the recent ordeal he went through.
He also addressed the faithful and urged them to always be united and loved: “Together, along with the new shepherd, the Ecumenical Patriarch, with our new clergy and with the flock, the Imbrians and the Tenedians, let us follow the path of God, united and loved because there are too few of us. We were forced to be so few and, therefore, we will not have the luxury of divisions, party differences and so on. By being united with the love of Christ, with the blessing of the Hierarchs and the prayers, we will follow the path of God loved and united. We wish the Metropolitan of Moschonissia all the best. Happy many returns!”
