A Patriarchal Divine Liturgy was celebrated with due ecclesiastical solemnity on Sunday, July 19, at the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Chora, Amorgos, presided over by Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and All Africa.
Concelebrating with the Patriarch were Metropolitan Georgios of Guinea and the local hierarch, Metropolitan Amfilochios of Thira, Amorgos and the Islands, in the prayerful presence of clergy of the Holy Metropolis and a large congregation of faithful.
The Divine Liturgy was offered to mark the 30th anniversary of the repose of the late Patriarch Parthenios of Alexandria, who maintained a particularly close bond with Amorgos and reposed in the Lord on the island on July 23, 1996.
Following the Divine Liturgy, a memorial service was held for the repose of the soul of the late Patriarch Parthenios.
Metropolitan Amfilochios of Thera, Amorgos and the Islands then welcomed Patriarch Theodoros II, expressing the heartfelt gratitude and filial appreciation of the clergy and faithful of the Holy Metropolis for his blessed presence in Amorgos.
In his address, Metropolitan Amfilochios described the occasion as a historic day for Amorgos, noting that the presence of the Primate of the Patriarchate of Alexandria made manifest the spiritual bond between the Aegean and Africa through the sacred memory of the late Patriarch Parthenios.
He also conveyed to Patriarch Theodore the profound devotion of the faithful of the Holy Metropolis, asking him to continue blessing Amorgos and the other islands under his canonical jurisdiction with his patriarchal prayers.
As part of the ecclesiastical gathering, Metropolitan Amfilochios of Thera, Amorgos and the Islands presented a special distinction to Protopresbyter Fr. Thomas Synodinos of Amorgos in recognition of 40 years of faithful, fruitful, and exemplary priestly ministry.
Addressing the honoree, the Metropolitan emphasized that the true honor of a minister of God does not derive from human praise, but is founded upon self-sacrificial service at the Holy Altar, where God’s grace crowns the priest’s labor and offering.
In recognition of Fr. Thomas’ many years of dedicated service to the Metropolis of Demetrias and the Archdiocese of Athens, Metropolitan Amfilochios presented him with a pectoral cross and a Certificate of Commendation, which was read by the General Hierarchical Commissioner of the Holy Metropolis, Protopresbyter Fr. Nikolaos Sigalas.
Presenting the pectoral cross, the Metropolitan stressed that it is not merely an external mark of honor, but a symbol of sacrificial ministry, pastoral responsibility, and the unceasing witness of the Gospel. He wished Fr. Thomas many more years of zealous service to the Church, for the glory of God and the edification of the faithful.
Among those attending the celebration were Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni, Members of Parliament from the Cyclades, national and Church benefactor Athanasios Martinos, the Mayor of Amorgos, and representatives of the island’s local authorities and institutions.
Following the celebrations, Metropolitan Amfilochios departed for Santorini, where he was to welcome the invited hierarchs and preside over the island-wide feast of the Monastery of Prophet Elijah.
