Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew referred to the mission, ministry, and martyrdom of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. He addressed pilgrims from Greece, Georgia and Ukraine, who went to church today, Sunday, November 17. Metropolitan Amphilochios of Kissamos and Selino also attended the Divine Liturgy.
In particular, the Ecumenical Patriarch said, “Here in Constantinople and especially in this historic and holy place, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, we keep our faith and our nation alive as we experience a deeply spiritual journey. Every time someone recalls all those memories of people who have humbly prayed to the Lord in this sacred place, the glory of which is lost, is moved. As Patriarch Athinagoras once said, ‘Do not cry when you recount these stories’. Don’t cry because the brave don’t cry and they should not cry.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch thanked the Bishop of Kissamos and Selinos for having concelebrated the Divine Liturgy. He also expressed his feelings for Crete, which is a very important place, like a gemstone, for the Mother Church of Constantinople.
He added, “I have said many times that Crete and the Church of Crete are the flagships of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Mediterranean area. And if we have always loved Crete, in recent years we love it even more, because as you know, in 2016 it hosted the Pan-Orthodox Council, which was organised by the Orthodox Academy of Crete in Kolymbari, Chania, Crete. It was a very important event for the church world. We are also grateful for their hospitality during the Pan-Orthodox Council.”
The AEK water polo team was also present among the pilgrims.
