Metropolitan Iakovos of Mexico had the honor of presiding over the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Nea Chalcedona, Greece, on Sunday, February 11, 2024. This was made possible with the blessing and canonical permission of Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia, Philadelphia, Heraklion, and Chalcedon.
Warmly welcomed by both priests and parishioners of the church where he previously served during his tenure within the Holy Metropolis of Nea Ionia, Metropolitan Iakovos was praised for his exemplary consistency, love, and divine zeal in his pastoral duties, which left a lasting impact on the community.
The Divine Liturgy was attended by various dignitaries, including the Mayor of Nea Philadelphia – Nea Chalkidona, Ioannis Tombouloglou, alongside members of the Municipality’s Board and numerous believers.
Archimandrite Fr. Alexandros Notas extended a warm welcome on behalf of Metropolitan Gabriel.
In his heartfelt homily, Metropolitan Iakovos expressed his gratitude to Metropolitan Gabriel for the blessing and reflected on the spiritual connections and experiences of love he had developed with the parishioners over the years. He bid farewell to them before embarking on his new pastoral responsibilities in the Holy Metropolis of Mexico.
Following the Liturgy, Metropolitan Iakovos distributed the antidoron and received wishes from the faithful, expressing his gratitude to all who had gathered.
Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
