In an atmosphere charged with emotion and spiritual joy, the city of Kalamata warmly received Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria and All Africa on Thursday, February 1, 2024. The Patriarch’s visit was extended through an official invitation by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia, aiming to illuminate the religious festivities dedicated to the city’s patron saint, “Panagia Ypapanti.”
Patriarch Theodore presided over the solemn polyarchieratic Vespers at the Metropolitan Church of the Presentation of Christ. The distinguished gathering included 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, Theoklitos of Stagoi and Meteora, and the local Pastor Chrysostomos of Istia and Northern Sporades.
Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkis delivered the Divine Word with eloquence, captivating the congregation with his insightful address. Throughout the Vespers, a multitude of believers fervently gathered to venerate the Holy and Miraculous Icon of the Virgin Mary and actively participated in the service. Representatives from various local authorities and organizations were also present.
The grand culmination of the celebrations is set for today, Friday, February 2, 2024, featuring the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy and a magnificent procession of the Miraculous Icon through the city.
Article translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
