On Sunday, November 10, 2024, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Metropolitan Church of St. Demetrios in Prinkipos, commemorating the late Ecumenical Patriarch Gregory VII, founder of the Holy Metropolis of Princes’ Islands, along with other departed hierarchs of the Metropolis. The Patriarch concelebrated with Metropolitans Dimitrios of Princes’ Islands, Eirinaios of Myriofyton and Peristasis, Chrysostomos of Myra, Athenagoras of Ilion, Stefanos of Kalliopolis, Athenagoras of Kydonia, Maximos of Selyvria, Bartholomew of Smyrna, and Theodore of Seleucia. The service was attended by local authorities, including Mayor Ali Ercan Akpolat of the Princes’ Islands, alongside many faithful from the region and greater Constantinople.
In his memorial address, Metropolitan Meliton of Philadelphia praised Patriarch Gregory VII and his successors for their profound contributions to the Church and society, highlighting their unwavering faith, which has inspired generations of Greek Orthodox Christians in the area. He emphasized the lasting legacy of the Metropolis, describing it as “an immovable tower and an impregnable wall” for Orthodoxy.
During his homily, Patriarch Bartholomew acknowledged the often tumultuous history of the Church, which has been marked by unpredictable historical developments. He emphasized that the Lord continuously provides His people with self-sacrificing shepherds. The Patriarch also commended Metropolitan Demetrios, head of the Metropolis of Princes’ Islands, for his ongoing dedication and love for his congregation, drawing parallels with his esteemed predecessors, who dedicated their lives to the Church and the Greek community. The Patriarch further reflected on perseverance and hope as essential values for preserving Orthodox tradition and faith.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Patriarch led a trisagion at the Prinkipos Cemetery for the repose of the late Metropolitans of the Metropolis, after which a reception was held at the Metropolitan Palace of Prinkipos. At the reception, attendees had the opportunity to exchange greetings and express their unity and support for the local Orthodox community.
On the preceding day, Saturday, November 9, the Patriarch attended and blessed an official dinner hosted by the Association for the Support of Greek Community Foundations, held as part of an event titled “Romiosini: Today, Tomorrow, Always.” The Patriarch addressed the guests, underscoring the importance of preserving the Greek community and the cultural heritage of Constantinople. Board members and community leaders delivered short speeches addressing contemporary challenges facing the Greek Orthodox community.
The Patriarch’s two-day visit and the anniversary events provided a meaningful occasion for the faithful and community leaders to honor the historical journey of the Metropolis of Princes’ Islands and to celebrate the enduring legacy of its past hierarchs.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
