On the occasion of the Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Holy Archdiocese of Constantinople in Pera on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
The Patriarch was joined by Elder Apostolos of Derkoi, who concelebrated the Divine Liturgy, along with Joseph of Western and Southern Europe of the Patriarchate of Romania; Athenagoras of Belgium; Antonios of Western and Southern Europe of the Patriarchate of Bulgaria; Athenagoras of Kydonia; Maximos of Sylivria; Theodore of Seleucia; and Bishop Apostolos of Tanagra from the Church of Greece. Also participating was Archimandrite Methodios, Abbot of the Hilandar Monastery of Mount Athos.
Metropolitan Plato of Langada, Liti, and Rentini preached the homily during the service.
In attendance were Metropolitans Chrysostomos of Myra, Stefanos of Kallioupolis and Madytos, Andreas of Forty Churches, and Ioakeim of Bursa, as well as Bishop Benjamin of Tralee. Clergy, Archons Offikalioi of the Ecumenical Throne, and dignitaries, including Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras, Consul General of Greece in Constantinople, and Roman Nedilskyi, Consul General of Ukraine in Constantinople, accompanied by his wife, were also present. Professors and students from the Zografeio Lyceum, alumni of this historic Greek Diaspora institution, students and faculty of the Music School of Ioannina “Nikolaos Doumbas,” as well as many faithful from Constantinople and pilgrims from abroad, attended the Liturgy.
During the service, Patriarch Bartholomew ordained Deacon Ieronymos Sotirelis, a clergyman of the Patriarchal Court, to the rank of Presbyter. In his homily before the ordination, the Patriarch highlighted Fr. Ieronymos’s dedication, studies, and ministry at the Phanar.
“We, in the Phanar, safeguard the treasures of our Nation to hand them over to future generations until the end of time,” the Patriarch stated. “We rejoice at your admission to the ranks of the presbyters, knowing that you accept the holy priesthood not as a mere social achievement, but as a sacred light and gift of the Lord. The humility and gentleness of your character bring great comfort to your Patriarch and the other fathers of the Patriarchal Court and promise a fruitful journey in your priestly ministry.”
Fr. Ieronymos, in his ordination speech, expressed heartfelt gratitude and unwavering devotion to the Patriarch.
Following the Dismissal, the Patriarch greeted the Hierarchs of the Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Union (CROCEU), who had participated in the Divine Liturgy. In his brief address, Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the importance of collaboration amidst the challenges and conflicts currently facing Europe. The Hierarchs and other Committee members had held an extended meeting with the Patriarch the previous afternoon.
Earlier, Metropolitan Andreas of Forty Churches, Hierarchical Head of the Greater Community of Stavrodromi, and its President, Mr. Georgios Papaliaris, addressed the Patriarch with warm words of appreciation.
Photos by Nikos Papachristou / Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
