The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew made a pilgrimage to the Holy Church of Saint Photius the Great in Thessaloniki, where he had laid the foundation stone 28 years earlier, in 1997. He was welcomed by Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki.
In his address to the congregation, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized that this pilgrimage was the most fitting conclusion to the “blessed days” of his visit to Thessaloniki, which ends tomorrow.
He praised the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, noting that, since his election, he has won the hearts of the people of Thessaloniki and beyond. His reputation has already reached the Phanar and spread throughout the Orthodox world. The Ecumenical Patriarch stressed that Metropolitan Philotheos is energetic and active not only because of his youth but also because of his gifts and abilities.
Patriarch Bartholomew recalled laying the foundation of the church in 1997, only six years after his election, and noted that the project was completed despite difficulties and opposition.
He also expressed his deep emotion regarding the connection between Saint Photius and Halki since his great predecessor founded the Church of the Holy Trinity on the island. The Theological School of Halki was built in the courtyard of that church, and Patriarch Bartholomew himself graduated from it. In his address, he remarked: “We pray and hope that it will once again open its doors and continue its service to the Church.”
He emphasized the importance of “striving to walk in the footsteps of our glorious ancestors and forefathers, preserving unity among ourselves, and proclaiming peace and solidarity.”
Finally, he emphasized that each time he visits a Metropolis of the throne, a sister autocephalous church, or even a heterodox church, he conveys the timeless message of Constantinople to the world: “A message of love, reconciliation, peace, cooperation, and solidarity—all to the glory of God.”
Those present at the Church of Saint Photius included the Deputy Minister of the Interior responsible for Macedonia and Thrace, Konstantinos Gioulekas; the Regional Governor of Central Macedonia, Athina Aidona; representatives of the authorities; and a large crowd of people.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
