Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the festal Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos at the Church of the Annunciation in Vafeochori, Bosphorus — the birthplace of the late Patriarch Joachim III.
The sermon was delivered by the Grand Preacher of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Panaretos.
In his remarks following the service, the Ecumenical Patriarch reflected on the deep reverence of the Greek Orthodox (Romiosyni) of Constantinople toward the Theotokos (Mother of God), emphasizing that this veneration extends beyond the churches and is deeply embedded in the spiritual life and tradition of the faithful.
Quoting the late Fr. Dositheos Kanellos from his “Anthology of Constantinopolitan Piety”, the Patriarch remarked:
“It should not be thought that the honor paid to the Theotokos in Constantinople is confined only to the existing churches. All churches have her holy icons, which are especially venerated by the faithful, who come before them in prayer and supplication.”
The Patriarch went on to underline that the Virgin Mary holds a central place in Orthodox spirituality, honored as the “cause of the deification of all,” and “the bridge that leads those on earth to heaven,” as expressed in the Akathist Hymn. The Annunciation, he noted, marks the moment when the mystery “hidden from the ages” was revealed — the beginning of our salvation.
Drawing on the theology of St. John of Damascus, Patriarch Bartholomew highlighted that the title “Theotokos” (Mother of God), affirmed at the Third Ecumenical Council in Ephesus, encapsulates the entirety of the mystery of the divine economy. Mary was called Theotokos not only for having miraculously conceived and given birth to Christ, but because through her, the gates of Paradise were opened to humanity.
“The icon of the Theotokos holding Christ in her arms is the living center of our Orthodox identity — the very heart of the Church’s Christology,” the Patriarch said.
He also referenced the connection between the Annunciation and the Nativity of Christ, noting that the celebration on March 25 was established in parallel with December 25, emphasizing that both events proclaim the liberation of humanity.
Quoting the late Metropolitan Meliton of Chalcedon, he added: “The Annunciation is the anniversary of the birth of human freedom. It proclaims the most joyful news ever heard on earth: the regeneration of the human race.”
Following the Liturgy, Patriarch Bartholomew offered a memorial service (Trisagion) at the tomb of the relatives of his predecessor, Patriarch Joachim III, located behind the sanctuary. He also prayed for the repose of the souls of the late Metropolitan Evangelos of Perga and Archbishop Stylianos of Australia, commemorating the anniversary of their passing.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
