Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at the Church of Saint Charalambos in the Community of Vevekion, where the previous day they celebrated their patron saint.
“We all possess unique gifts bestowed upon us by God. These talents, as described in today’s Gospel passage, are not to be neglected; rather, we are called to diligently nurture and utilize them for our own growth and for the betterment of society. It is our responsibility to utilize these divine endowments for the greater good, serving our brothers and sisters with humility and dedication. Even the seemingly modest gifts, coupled with sincere effort, hold the power to profoundly impact the lives of others. Recognizing our gifts as a divine calling and sacred duty, we are called to fulfill our mission with unwavering commitment,” stated the Ecumenical Patriarch in his address following the Divine Liturgy.
Then, he added: “With these reflections in mind, we gather today in this venerable Temple to offer prayers for humanity. Every individual, regardless of background or circumstance, is cherished and esteemed before the eyes of God. Each person represents a unique and irreplaceable creation, bestowed with intellect and free will by the divine Creator. It is incumbent upon each of us to wisely utilize these divine gifts entrusted to us.
Indeed, we are all transient inhabitants in this earthly realm, for ‘here we do not have an enduring city, but we are looking for the city that is to come.’ Embracing this eternal truth, we partake in His holiness and become pilgrims on a journey towards the Divine. With fervent conviction, we profess our faith: ‘I believe, Lord, that you are the Son of God, and all things are yours, even our very lives.’ The existence of sacred temples, shrines, and pilgrimages throughout history reaffirms humanity’s innate inclination towards the Divine, drawing strength and courage to overcome both visible and invisible adversities.
Just as Jesus, the Son of God, was crucified for us, we too are called to crucify ourselves with Him. Through unwavering devotion and commitment to the sacred tenets of our faith, we unite ourselves with Christ and the venerable traditions of the Mother Church of Constantinople.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch conveyed his heartfelt gratitude for the dedicated efforts undertaken “under the inspired guidance and resolute leadership of our esteemed brother, the Metropolitan of Kydonia,” extending warm congratulations to him and his colleagues. Reaffirming his profound affection for the Beveki Community, he implored Saint Charalambos to safeguard this cherished part of Constantinople and to intercede on behalf of the entire Greek community. Additionally, he fervently prayed for peace in the world, particularly in the tested regions of Ukraine and the Middle East, and for the steadfastness of the Holy Churches of God and the preservation of their unity.
Previously, the Ecumenical Patriarch was warmly welcomed by Metropolitan Athenagoras of Kydonia, Supervisor of the Bosphorus Region, while on behalf of the Ecclesiastical Committee of the Community, its Secretary, Andreas Robopoulos, delivered a hearfelt speech.
Source: Ecumenical Patriarchate / Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
