Metropolitan Iakovos of Mexico and Exarch of Central America and the Caribbean Islands embarked on his pastoral journey to the Republic of Panama since assuming his ecclesiastical duties. The visit, filled with meaningful encounters and solemn ceremonies, aimed to fostering of spiritual connections.
Upon his arrival in Panama City on the afternoon of Thursday, March 21, 2024, the Metropolitan commenced his visit with a prayerful reflection at the historic Panama Canal. There, he expressed his hope to officiate the Blessing of the Waters ceremony during the Epiphany feast on January 6, 2025.
On Saturday, March 23, Metropolitan Iakovos paid homage to Alicia de Konstantinou, the founder of the Panama Clinic, by performing a Trisagion service at the clinic’s Greek Orthodox Chapel. Later, he presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Annunciation, honoring the memory of the late Athanasios Mavrokordatos, a businessman.
Following the liturgy, the Archbishop engaged with the community, meeting with students and faculty of the Community Greek School, members of the Philoptochos Brotherhood, and staff of the Greek Community offices. Subsequently, he visited Roman Catholic Archbishop of Panama Ulloa Mendieta to mark the commencement of Holy Week, before venerating the icon of Santa Maria La Antigua at five historic churches in Panama City.
In a heartfelt dialogue with local residents, Metropolitan Iakovos pledged to visit the Darién jungle in July to explore avenues for assisting migrants and refugees. The following day, Sunday, March 24, 2024, he celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Annunciation alongside Presbyter Nikolaos Agoris, marking the Sunday of Orthodoxy.
The festivities continued with the performance of the Doxology on Greece’s National Independence Day, attended by Panama’s government officials, Greek Ambassador Efthymios Efthymiadis, and Honorary Consul Spyros Skleros. In his address, Metropolitan Iakovos encouraged young attendees to cherish both Greece and Panama’s blessings.
On Monday, March 25, 2024, the Archbishop led the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of the Annunciation before paying respects at the local cemetery, offering a trisagion for departed community members, including former President Dimitrios V. Lakas.
As he concluded his visit on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, Metropolitan Iakovos expressed gratitude for the warm reception and sought the prayers of the Panamanian faithful as he continued his pastoral journey to Colombia and Venezuela, further strengthening bonds across his ecclesiastical province.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
