On Sunday, February 23, 2025, the Matins and Divine Liturgy were celebrated at the Greek Orthodox parish of Milan, with Archimandrite Fr. Ioannis Batsis officiating, and with the participation of the parishioners.
Among the attendees were the Member of Parliament for Kastoria, Mrs. Maria Antoniou, the Commercial Attaché of Greece in Milan, Mrs. Betty Larda, and the President of the Greek Community of Milan, Mrs. Sofia Zafeiropoulou.
After the Divine Liturgy, a memorial service was held for the repose of all the departed brothers and sisters. Fr. Ioannis, before the dismissal, spoke about the Gospel passage of the Last Judgment, reminding the congregation of the importance of responsibility and offering to one’s neighbor.
He made a special mention of the celebrant Metropolitan Polycarpos of Italy, wishing him health, longevity, and strength in his work.
Addressing Mrs. Antoniou, Fr. Ioannis spoke about the ongoing efforts of those attending church abroad, as many travel long distances to be close to their parish. He emphasized that the parish remains primarily a center of faith, gathering people of various nationalities seeking spiritual support, but also a center of Hellenism, keeping the language, tradition, and continuity of the presence of Greeks in the diaspora alive.
Additionally, he reminded everyone of the 100th anniversary of the presence of the first Greek Orthodox in Milan in 1925, when the vision for the creation of the parish began to take shape. This historical connection with Kastoria makes Mrs. Antoniou’s presence particularly symbolic, as she represents a region that has left its mark on the journey of Hellenism in the diaspora.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
