On Thursday, February 1, 2024, the city of Kalamata in Southern Greece warmly welcomed Pope and Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria and All Africa.
The Patriarch received a cordial reception in the city, greeted by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia and the Mayor of Kalamata, Thanasis Vasilopoulos, at the impressive Metropolitan Church of the Presentation of Christ.
Patriarch Theodore presided over the festive polyarchieratic Vespers, a sacred occasion graced by the presence of esteemed religious figures, including Elder Metropolitan Gabriel of Leontopolis, Metropolitan Georgios of Guinea, Metropolitan Meletios of Carthage, and Bishop Prodromos of Toliara. The congregation also included Metropolitans Efstathios of Monemvasia and Sparta, Metropolitan Damaskinos of Didymoteicho, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida, Metropolitan Athenagoras of Ilion, Metropolitan Konstantinos of Megara, Metropolitan Theoklitos of Stagoi and Meteora, and Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia.
The religious events marking the celebration of the patron saint of Kalamata, Panagia Ypapanti, will culminate on Friday, February 2. The Feast of the Presentation of Jesus will be commemorated with the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy and a procession of the Miraculous Icon around the city.
Source and photos from: messinialive.gr / Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
