Today, February 2, 2024, Kalamata celebrated its patron saint, “Panagia Ypapanti”.
Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria and All Africa presided over the Matins and the Polyarchieratic Divine Liturgy along with Elder Metropolitan Gabriel of Leontopolis, Metropolitan Georgios of Guinea, Metropolitan Meletios of Carthage, Bishop Prodromos of Toliara and South Madagascar; as well as Metropolitans Konstantinos of Monemvasia and Sparta, Damaskinos of Didymoteicho, Orestiada, and Soufli, Chrysostomos of Chalkis, Athenagoras of Ilion, Acharnes, and Petroupolis, Constantine of Megara and Salamis, Theoklitos of Stagoi and Meteora, and Chrysostomos of Messinia.
After the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia addressed the Patriarch of Alexandria. He thanked him for his honorable acceptance of the invitation to illuminate the celebration with his presence. He also expressed the gratitude and joy of the Holy Clergy, the Archons, and the laity. In addition, he wished the Patriarch the blessing of “Panagia Ypapanti” so that he may lead peoples and nations to the light of the Gospel.
“We welcome you as the Patriarch of traditions and love, but also as the humble protector of Orthodoxy and Hellenism in the distant land of Africa, welcoming you to a place marked by the struggles for the freedom of a nation inhabited by Philhellenes, progressive and hardworking citizens,” he emphasized. He also emphasized that in times of excessive divisive tendencies along ethnic lines, the Patriarch always stands as a true brother defending the unity of the Body of Churches and is the person who knows how to love and honor everyone in times of hostility and ingratitude. He concluded by invoking the patriarchal blessing upon his flock”.
In his response, Patriarch Theodore spoke about the holy image of the Most Holy Theotokos. He expressed his deep emotion for his visit to Messinia after 32 years and asked Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia, the clergy, archons, and people of Messinia to pray for Him.
The Patriarch responded by awarding Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia the Medal of the Apostle Mark. He also presented him with a hierarchical engolpion (medallion with an icon in the center).
This was followed by a grand procession of the Holy and Miraculous Icon through the central streets of the city, in which thousands of worshipers participated.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
