An important day for the Church of Crete. After approximately one year, the Metropolis of Kydonia and Apokoronas officially received its new Hierarch, as today (March 28), according to local media reports, the enthronement ceremony of Metropolitan Titos of Kydonia and Apokoronas took place.
The enthronement ceremony began shortly after 12:20 p.m. on Saturday.
The Holy Metropolitan Church of the Presentation of the Theotokos was filled with faithful who have gathered to offer their wishes and receive the blessing of the new Metropolitan.
The participation of clergy and people was widespread, while representatives of the political leadership, security forces, and the military were also in attendance.
Taking part in the ceremony were Archbishop Eugenios of Crete and Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria, representing Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Representing the Government was Minister of Education Sofia Zacharaki, while among those present were Deputy Minister of Migration and Asylum Sevi Voloudaki, Chania MP Dora Bakoyannis, New Democracy MP Alexandros Markogiannakis, Regional Governor of Crete Stavros Arnaoutakis, Deputy Regional Governor of Chania Nikos Kalogeris, Mayor Panagiotis Simandirakis, Mayor of Platanias Giannis Malandrakis, among others.
An atmosphere of emotion prevailed inside the church, as this was a historic moment for the Church of Crete, and especially for the Holy Metropolis of Kydonia and Apokoronas, which had remained without a shepherd for a long period following the repose of the late Metropolitan Damaskinos about a year ago.
Subsequently, the Chief Secretary of the Holy Provincial Synod of the Church of Crete, Nifon Vasilakis, read the Synodal Encyclical of enthronement.
“Having the authority to bless and sanctify all Christians,” he stated, thus formally confirming the enthronement of the new Metropolitan.
Before arriving at the Metropolitan Church of the Presentation of the Theotokos in Chania for his enthronement, the new shepherd made a stop in the municipality of Apokoronas, where he received a warm and emotional welcome. Despite the rain, local authorities, clergy, and a large number of faithful gathered at the premises of the Agia Sophia Foundation.
Citizens showered the new Metropolitan with rose petals, while he was welcomed with Cretan lyra, mantinades, and traditional rizitika songs, which were also sung by Archbishop Eugenios of Crete together with the island’s Metropolitans.
Photos: zarpanews
