A Prayer for the repose of the soul of the late Metropolitan Damaskinos of Kydonia and Apokoronas, was offered on April 9th, 2025, by Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa, before the dismissal of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, which was solemnly celebrated at the magnificent Church of St. Nicholas of the Patriarchal Vicariate of Cairo.
With deep emotion, the Patriarch spoke about the personality of the late Hierarch of the Church of Crete, his fellow countryman, saying characteristically: “Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners…” (Psalm 1). The ever-memorable Metropolitan Damaskinos was a humble, kind, and blessed Hierarch of the semi-autonomous Church of Crete, under the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s jurisdiction. He was nurtured and raised under the spiritual counsel and guidance of his revered Elder, the fervent missionary and much-respected Metropolitan Amphilochios Tsoukos, former Metropolitan of Ganus and Chora. As a result, he deeply loved the great work of Mission, which he always supported and towards which he demonstrated constant and undivided interest.
Bidding him farewell with human sorrow, we thank him for all he offered to the Most Holy Church of our Christ, especially to our ancient Patriarchate. We fervently pray that our Lord may grant him to minister also at His Heavenly Altar, together with the Hierarchs and clergy who have fallen asleep throughout the ages, with the Saints and the Righteous. May his memory be eternal!”
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
