On Saturday, January 11, 2025, Metropolitan Arsenios of Austria presided over the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy in the Parish of the Venerable Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John in Innsbruck, assisted by Protopresbyter Emmanuel Dirla and the Parish Priest, Presbyter Nebojsa Grdinic.
After the Divine Liturgy, he blessed the waters in the presence of the parishioners.
During his stay in Innsbruck, the Metropolitan visited the Roman Catholic Bishop of Innsbruck, Hermann Glettler, with whom he had a cordial meeting and discussed various topics of mutual interest.
Before the dismissal, the Metropolitan elevated the parish priest, Presbyter Nebojsa Grdinic, to the rank of Economos-Stavrophoros. He also expressed his gratitude for the sacrificial service of Fr. Emmanuel Dirla and his co-workers in the Innsbruck area. He introduced the new parish priest, Fr. Nebojsa, and called upon the faithful to support him in continuing the work of the Church so that the Divine Liturgy may be celebrated every Sunday in this Austrian city and the faithful may have the opportunity to participate in the Divine Liturgy. He wished the new priest strength in his ministry and encouraged him to walk in the spirit of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and according to the traditions of the Church.
After the Divine Liturgy, the Metropolitan, accompanied by the clergy, performed the Blessing of the Waters and blessed the Vasilopita for the New Year. This was an opportunity for fellowship and dialog. The Metropolitan then gave the Blessing of the Church and continued his pastoral tour of Western Austria.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
