The Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord was celebrated with solemnity on Thursday, August 6, at the historic Patriarchal and Stavropegial Monastery of the Transfiguration on Prinkipo, the largest of the Princes’ Islands, where Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy.
Among those attending were Armenian Patriarch of Turkey Sahak II, Archbishop Nektarios of Anthedon, Representative of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem in Constantinople, a group of Archons of the Ecumenical Throne, young pilgrims from the United States, and numerous faithful.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Ecumenical Patriarch blessed the traditional grapes of the feast and distributed them to the faithful before celebrating a Trisagion service at the grave of the late benefactor Simeon Siniosoglou, marking the 120th anniversary of his repose.
In his homily, Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the spiritual significance of the Feast of the Transfiguration, stating that “the true transformation begins in the human heart and becomes a light for those around us.”
He noted that Christ came not merely to offer moral teachings or philosophical ideas, but to renew humanity and all creation. The Patriarch urged the faithful to seek inner transformation through faith, forgiveness, and love, adding that the life of the Church, especially participation in the Holy Eucharist, enables believers to carry the light, joy, and peace of Mount Tabor into their daily lives.
Reflecting on the monastery’s history, the Patriarch paid tribute to Simeon Siniosoglou, whose generosity led to the establishment of a girls’ orphanage at the monastery in the early 20th century. He praised the enduring tradition of philanthropy, stressing that honoring benefactors means continuing their work through acts of service and generosity.
Patriarch Bartholomew also highlighted the ongoing mission of the Patriarchal children’s camp, describing it as a place where young people from different countries and communities can meet, build friendships, and learn to live together in peace. He noted that the camp has recently welcomed children from the Greek Orthodox community in Romania and from Abkhazia in Georgia, while future sessions will host children from the Armenian community of Istanbul and from the Metropolis of Didymoteicho, Orestiada, and Soufli in Greece.
Addressing the children attending the camp, the Patriarch encouraged them to cherish their time together, cultivate their God-given talents, remain close to the Church, and build lasting friendships rooted in faith and mutual respect.
He concluded by urging them to take home not only happy memories but also “the certainty that God loves you and accompanies you in every step of your life,” adding that the feast’s enduring message is “to let the light of Christ illuminate our hearts and, through our lives and actions, share that light with those around us.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch also warmly welcomed Armenian Patriarch Sahak II, who expressed gratitude for the continued hospitality extended to children from the Armenian community at the Patriarchate’s summer camps. He likewise greeted a group of young pilgrims from the United States participating in a program sponsored by the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, aimed at strengthening the ties of Greek Orthodox youth in the diaspora with the Ecumenical Patriarchate. They are scheduled to be officially received by the Patriarch at the Phanar on Friday.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
