On the morning of Sunday, September 8, 2024, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew honored the memory of the late Ecumenical Patriarchs Ioakeim II and Ioakeim IV in their birthplace, Kallimasia, at the Holy Parish Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
According to politischios.gr, the church was filled with believers from Kallimasia and surrounding villages, who came to pay their respects to the Ecumenical Patriarch and participate in the Memorial Service. The day also marked the celebration of the “Nativity of the Theotokos,” a significant feast in the Orthodox Church.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a Trisagion service was held at the burial monument of the late Ecumenical Patriarchs. In his brief homily, Patriarch Bartholomew reflected on the lives and contributions of Ioakeim II and Ioakeim IV, emphasizing the status of the Most Holy Theotokos as a symbol of unity. He highlighted that she gave birth to the Son of God for the salvation of humanity, transcending all forms of discrimination.
Metropolitan Markos of Chios praised the Ecumenical Patriarchate as a steadfast guardian of the Greek Nation, even during challenging times. He noted its role in spreading “Education and the Light of Byzantium,” serving as a central spiritual reference for Greeks and Orthodox Christians worldwide, according to politischios.gr.
During the event, Metropolitan Markos presented Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with a venerable pastoral staff. The dignitaries and politicians present exchanged gifts and greetings with the Ecumenical Patriarch, who offered his blessing to all. He also distributed Antidoron to the faithful after the Divine Liturgy.
A reception followed at the guesthouse adjacent to the church, hosted by the Cultural and Social Ministry Foundation of Kallimasia, “Saint Emilian the Confessor,” which organized the commemorative events.
This significant honorary event marked the conclusion of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s visit to Chios. Later in the afternoon, he greeted the citizens of Chios and the island before departing.
