The Feast of the Synaxis of the Holy Twelve Apostles was solemnly celebrated on June 30 at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Paraskevi in Therapia, Constantinople, marking the name day of Metropolitan Elder Apostolos of Derkoi.
Metropolitan Apostolos presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, joined by several hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, clergy, Archons of the Great Church of Christ, and numerous faithful from Constantinople and abroad. Metropolitan Athenagoras of Kydonies attended as the representative of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and conveyed the Patriarch’s heartfelt wishes to the celebrant.
In his address, Metropolitan Apostolos reflected on the example of the Twelve Apostles as models of faith, humility, and service. He also expressed profound gratitude to God for the blessings of his life and ministry, offering special thanks to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for his paternal love, trust, and guidance throughout his ecclesiastical journey.
The Metropolitan also paid tribute to the recently departed Metropolitan Theoleptos of Iconium, honoring his contribution to the Church. The celebration concluded with a reception and a musical program featuring the ensemble “Triicho” from Kavala and the women’s choir “Dafnes” of the Metropolis of Derkoi.
