In an atmosphere of profound emotion, respect, and joy, the Holy Metropolis of Monemvasia and Sparta welcomed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on the afternoon of Monday, November 25, 2024. This marks the first time in history that the Primate of the Great Church of Christ has visited Sparta, a momentous occasion for the local ecclesiastical community.
Upon entering the geographical boundaries of the Metropolis, the Patriarch was greeted by Metropolitan Eustathios of Monemvasia and Sparta, Mayor Michail Vakalopoulos of Sparta, Peloponnese Regional Governor Dimitrios Ptochos, and other dignitaries.
Accompanying the Patriarch were Metropolitan Joseph of Proikonnisos, Metropolitan Maximos of Silivria, Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Patriarchal Office Director Archimandrite Eleftherios Chrysokhoos, Deacon Anatolios Doxastakis, and distinguished members of the Patriarchal staff.
The procession moved to Sparta, where an official reception took place at the entrance of the celebrating Church of Saint Nikon, attended by clergy, local dignitaries, schoolchildren, cultural organizations, and a multitude of faithful. The ceremony included a military honor guard and band.
Doxology and Ceremonial Exchange
Following the Patriarch’s entry into the church, a Doxology service was held with the Patriarch presiding. Metropolitan Eustathios welcomed the Patriarch, expressing profound gratitude and joy on behalf of the clergy and laity. He asked the Patriarch to bless the faithful, especially the youth, who represent hope amid challenging times.
The Metropolitan also thanked the Patriarch for the canonization of Hieromartyr Ananias Lambardis, former Metropolitan of Lakedaimonia. As a token of appreciation, Metropolitan Eustathios presented the Patriarch with a silver platter engraved with the image of Saint Ananias.
In his response, Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his gratitude for the heartfelt welcome and reflected on the spiritual significance of visiting the historic and blessed Metropolis of Monemvasia and Sparta. He honored the legacy of Saint Nikon and praised Metropolitan Eustathios for his tireless pastoral contributions. The Patriarch also emphasized the enduring spiritual ties between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Peloponnese, referencing Patriarch Gregory V of Demetsana as a unifying figure.
Gifts and Celebrations
The Patriarch presented a sacred Gospel, a replica of a treasured item from the Patriarchal treasury, to the Church of Saint Nikon. Additionally, he gifted silver liturgical items and offered commemorative engolpia (pectoral crosses) to Metropolitan Eustathios, Auxiliary Bishop Theophilos of Lakedaimonia, and the parish priest, Father Athanasios Spiliotis.
The evening concluded with the Great Festive Vespers, presided over by the Patriarch and attended by Metropolitans Chrysostomos of Messenia, Theoktistos of Phocis, Chrysostomos of Mani, Nikephoros of Gortynos and Megalopolis, and Epiphanios of Mantineia and Kynouria, alongside Auxiliary Bishops Theoklitos of Tegea and Theophilos of Lakedaimonia.
The evening’s services featured exceptional chanting by choirs from the Laconia Psalmists’ Association “Peter the Peloponnesian” and the Metropolis of Mantineia and Kynouria, adding to the event’s grandeur.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The event was attended by national and local officials, including MPs from Laconia, regional mayors, judicial representatives, and members of the education sector. The presence of military and police officials, as well as cultural associations, further highlighted the significance of this historic visit.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
