LAST UPDATE: 14:30
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew departed today, Friday, November 22, 2024, for a short but significant visit to Athens. His itinerary includes visits to the Metropolises of Nea Ionia and Philadelphia, as well as the Metropolis of Peristeri. Additionally, on Sunday, at the invitation of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, the Patriarch will inaugurate the proceedings of the International Conference of Orthodox Theology entitled “Orthodox Theology in the 21st Century: Challenges and Opportunities.”
During his visit to the Holy Metropolis of Nea Ionia and Philadelphia later today, the Patriarch will visit the newly constructed AEK Stadium. There, he will tour the Holy Temple of God the Wisdom, located within the stadium complex, followed by a visit to the Museums dedicated to Greek Refugees and AEK.
On Sunday morning, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will preside over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of Saint Nicholas of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Kolonaki. Following the Liturgy, he will ordain Alkiviadis Stefanis, the Civil Administrator of Mount Athos, as Archon Offikialios of the Great Church of Christ.
On Monday morning, the Patriarch will meet with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis before departing for a two-day visit to the Holy Metropolis of Monemvasia and Sparta.
Accompanying the Patriarch on his visit are Metropolitans Joseph of Proconnesus and Maximos of Selyvria, Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Private Patriarchal Office Protopresbyter Eleftherios Chrysochos, Secretary of the Representation Office of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Athens, Patriarchal Deacon Anatolios Doxastakis, Professor Konstantinos Delikostantis, Director of the First Patriarchal Office Nikolaos-Georgios Papachristou, Director of the Press and Communication Office of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and Stylianos Mouchlidis, Secretary of the Patriarchate.
Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi was appointed to replace the Patriarch.
Read the schedule below:
Friday, November 22
- 6:00 PM: Official Reception
The Patriarch will be welcomed at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Nea Filadelfeia. - 7:00 PM: Naming Ceremony and Plaque Unveiling
Patriarch Bartholomew will preside over the naming of “Ecumenical Patriarch Square” in Nea Filadelfeia and unveil a commemorative plaque. - 7:30 PM: Visit to Holy Trinity Church
The Patriarch will visit the Church of the Holy Trinity in Nea Filadelfeia, where he will officiate at the opening of a newly constructed chapel dedicated to Archangel Michael, in memory of the late Michael Katsouris. - 8:00 PM: Visit to AEK Stadium
The evening will conclude at AEK Stadium with a tour of the Church of the Wisdom of God located within the stadium complex. The Patriarch will also visit the Museum of Greek Refugees, the AEK Museum, and the stadium’s facilities.
Saturday, November 23
- 10:00 AM: Visit to the Xenophontos Monastery Metochion
The Patriarch will visit the Holy Metochion of the Athonite Monastery of Xenophontos, dedicated to the Saints of Mount Athos, located in Nea Ionia. - 11:00 AM: Tour of the Under-Construction “Ionian Center”
The Patriarch will tour the future “Ionian Center,” a project under development by the Metropolis, guided by Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia. - 12:00 PM: Blessing and Inauguration of the New Nursery School
The Patriarch will bless and inaugurate the new nursery school of the Metropolis, “Ionian Education – Nursery School of Nea Filadelfeia.” - 1:00 PM: Foundation Stone Ceremony
The visit will conclude with a blessing ceremony and the laying of the foundation stone for a new parish church in Iraklio, Attica, located at the intersection of Prasinou Lofou and Smyrnis streets.
