Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy today, Thursday, February 1, 2024, for the Feast of Saint Tryphon, patron saint of gardeners, viticulturists and farmers, at the Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Constantinople.
At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the Ecumenical Patriarch blessed the koliva —a ceremonial dish made from boiled wheat, sugar, nuts, and raisins— honoring the memory of the revered Saint. Archimandrite Kaisarios Chronis, the Archivist of the Patriarchate, recited the exorcism of Saint Tryphon, a customary reading performed on the day of the feast, in gardens and crops.
Following this, the Ecumenical Patriarch addressed the faithful, emphasizing that his visit to the Community of the Ypsomatheia Region aimed to underscore the Mother Church’s unwavering commitment to every believer and community. He made it clear that no parishioner or community, even if they live in a remote location, is underestimated, despised, or forgotten by the Church.
“After all, did not the Lord descend to earth for the overlooked and the seemingly insignificant? How, then, can His Church, the enduring extension of His presence through the ages, be deemed inferior to its Lord? How can He overlook those whom He has called His brothers and sisters. How can He overlook those seemingly trivial and insignificant things, often dismissed by the majority, yet collectively constituting the entirety of human existence?
The purpose of the Church is not condemnation but liberation, not punishment but salvation. Every unforunate and tormented soul eagerly awaits to receive solace and consolation. The Lord embraces everyone without discrimination, because He sees in each individual the unique and unrepeatable image of God. This is the message of today’s feast of Saint Tryphon, the patron saint of seemingly insignificant farmers, gardeners and viticulturists. No one is forgotten! No one is excluded from the salvation offered by our Savior! ”
In his homily, the Ecumenical Patriarch reiterated his condemnation of the recent heinous attack in the Roman Catholic Church of Panagia Vathyryakos.
“We emphatically reiterate the condemnation and strict control of the Holy Great Church of Christ for the heinous murder of a fellow citizen, particularly within a place of religious worship, during the mass. The Ecumenical Patriarchate, along with my humble self, extends heartfelt condolences to the grieving family of the victim. Additionally, we commend the local authorities for their prompt efforts in elucidating this sad case. This became a Cross borne by our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters living here guided by Bishop Massimiliano Palinuro, just weeks following another heinous incident: the assassination attempt against the Imam of the Fatih Mosque after the conclusion of the evening prayer.
The recent tragic events that have afflicted both the Christian and Muslim communities of Constantinople serve as a reminder of our collective duty. Not only must we unequivocally condemn every form and manifestation of religious fundamentalism but we must also take proactive measures to prevent its emergence. To this end, we must recognize that there is nothing to divide us from our brothers and sisters of other denominations or religions. On the contrary, there are many things that unite us; the life of every individual, irrespective of their religious beliefs, unfolds as a sequence of crucifixion and resurrection moments and days. It is precisely this sequence that will bring us closer, enabling us to offer one another encouragement, optimism, vigor, and hope. This mutual support will assist us in navigating through challenging situations, knowing that resurrection days will come.”
Concluding his homily, the Ecumenical Patriarch urged the members of the Ecclesiastical Committee to collaborate with the Supervisor of the Ypsomatheia District, Metropolitan Maximos of Selyvria, noting that he admirably fulfills his ministry by keeping the flame of faith burning bright in the hearts and souls of the parishioners.
Source: Ecumenical Patriarchate / Photos: Nikos Papachristou / Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
