Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of Pentecost on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Patriarchal Church.
Concelebrating with the Ecumenical Patriarch were Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Metropolitan Meliton of Philadelphia, Metropolitan Theoliptos of Iconium, Archbishop Evgenios of Crete, Bishop Nektarios of Anthedon, Representative of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in Constantinople, Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, and Metropolitan Theodoros of Seleucia.
During the Divine Liturgy, the ordination to the episcopacy of the Bishop-elect Panaretos of Tamisos, Exarch of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Lithuania, took place.
Before the ordination, the Ecumenical Patriarch addressed the Bishop-elect with paternal words of guidance and encouragement regarding the new ministry entrusted to him by the Mother Church.
The Ecumenical Patriarch praised the newly elected Bishop Panaretos, highlighting his dedication to the Mother Church, his theological formation, pastoral experience, and fruitful ministry both in his native Crete and in Constantinople, particularly among the Russian-speaking faithful of Saint Andrew’s Church in Galata.
Referring to his appointment as Patriarchal Exarch in Lithuania, the Ecumenical Patriarch described it as a sign of the trust placed in him by the Mother Church. He noted that the Ecumenical Patriarchate is called to serve all Orthodox Christians “regardless of nationality, race, and language,” and expressed confidence that the new bishop would offer a fruitful witness in his new mission field.
The Ecumenical Patriarch urged him to defend Christian values, act with discernment and love, and remain a humble servant of God. Quoting the Fathers of the Church, he emphasized that “love proves a true shepherd,” while reminding him that all success in ministry is ultimately “a gift from above.”
Referring to the Feast of Pentecost, the Ecumenical Patriarch underlined that the Church is a “continuous Pentecost” and a living manifestation of the Kingdom of God in the world. He stressed that the bishop’s ministry is centered on the Holy Eucharist and must bear witness to the unity of faith, worship, and mutual love among the faithful.
Concluding his address, he expressed the joy of the Mother Church at the elevation of “a worthy son” to the episcopacy and prayed that God would grant him a fruitful episcopal ministry for the glory of His name and the edification of the Church.
After the Divine Liturgy, the Ecumenical Patriarch presided over the Vespers of the Holy Spirit, during which he also read the Kneeling Prayers.
Among those attending the service were Metropolitan Eirinaios of Myriophyton and Peristasis, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Myra, Metropolitan Ioakeim of Prousa, and Bishop Paisios of Xanthoupolis; Bishop Massimiliano Palinuro of the Roman Catholic community in Constantinople; clergy; Archons of the Mother Church; Larisa Galadza, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Canada in Ankara; Georgios-Spyridon Mamalos, Head of the Office of Public Diplomacy of the Consulate General of Greece in Constantinople, representing the Consul General; the Consuls General of Ukraine, Roman Nedilskyi, and of Moldova, Sergiu Gurduza; relatives and friends of the newly ordained Bishop; and a large number of faithful from Constantinople and abroad.
Immediately afterward, in the Throne Room of the Patriarchal House, the newly ordained Bishop delivered his response address, expressing his gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the Ecumenical Patriarch and to the Metropolitans comprising the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for electing him as an Auxiliary Bishop to the Ecumenical Patriarch.
The newly ordained Bishop of Tamisos and Patriarchal Exarch in Lithuania emphasized that Pentecost reverses the division of Babel, transforming diversity into unity through the Holy Spirit.
As he noted, “where Babel gave birth to confusion and division, Pentecost gives birth to unity and communion,” stressing that the Ecumenical Patriarchate serves precisely this reality by fostering unity, reconciliation, and spiritual fatherhood among Orthodox Christians of every nation and language.
Expressing his gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarch for entrusting him with the mission in Lithuania, the new Bishop said that he experiences his appointment as “a Pentecostal calling” and a call of the Holy Spirit.
He also underlined that His All-Holiness has taught that a bishop must go wherever the Church calls him, “without personal considerations, but with a spirit of sacrifice, obedience, and service.”
Referring to his ministry in Lithuania, he observed that people of different nationalities and languages gather there in the same faith, demonstrating the miracle of the Church. In this context, he described the Ecumenical Patriarchate as “an ark of unity” and “a spiritual mother who embraces all within her loving care.”
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
