Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria and All Africa fulfilled a personal vow on Saturday, February 3, 2024, by visiting the Voulkanou Holy Monastery. He expressed his gratitude and paid homage to the Lady Theotokos, known as Voulkaniotissa, for her assistance during challenging times.
The brotherhood extended a warm welcome to the visitor at the monastery’s entrance. An official doxology took place in the Katholikon of the Monastery, attended by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia, one of the monastery’s brothers, Metropolitan Theoklitos of Stagoi and Meteora, and the accompanying bishops, including Metropolitan Elder Gabriel of Leontopolis, Georgios of Guinea, Meletios of Carthage, and Bishop Prodromos of Toliara.
Following the Doxology, Patriarch Theodore dedicated to the icon of Panagia Voulkaniotissa his personal Patriarchal Engolpia and Pectoral Cross, as well as sacred covers for the holy Prothesis.
Subsequently, at the Synodikon of the Holy Monastery, a monastic treat was extended to all in attendance. Subsequently, the Abbot of the Holy Monastery, Archim. Prokopios Smyrnis, presented the Patriarch with a replica of the miraculous icon of Panagia Voulkaniotissa, expressing their heartfelt wishes for his protection and unwavering support in his challenging missionary endeavors. Patriarch Theodore signed the Monastery’s official guest book and presented an official photograph of himself, which will be displayed in the synodikon.
The visit of the Patriarch to the historic Monastery was attended by the Mayor of Messini, Georgios Athanasopoulos, the Mayor of Kalamata, Athanasios Vasilopoulos, the Deputy Regional Governor of Messinia, Efstathios Anastasopoulos, deputy mayors, municipal councillors, as well as representatives of other local organizations.
Translated by Thanos Chrysanthopoulos
