The Christmas celebration of the Sunday School of the Metropolis of Derkoi was held with great success on Saturday, December 23, 2023, after many years, under the guidance of Fr. Daniel Zafeiris and Efstathia Mania, in the presence of its creator, Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi.
The children infused the spirit of Christmas, filling the hall of the Makrochori Community with feelings of hope, love, and joy. The program featured a performance of the play ‘Silent Night’ by children aged 6 to 12, along with poems recited by the younger ones aged 4 to 6, accompanied by songs.
The second part included traditional carols from Thrace, the Peloponnese, Crete, Ikaria, Chios, and the traditional Byzantine carols, which were sung by the members of the newly formed section of youth gatherings of the Metropolis. The choir was accompanied by the musicians Panagiotis Panagakis on the oud, Antigoni Pappou on the ney and Ioannis Anastasopoulos on the violin.
Throughout the celebration, attendees had the pleasure of indulging in traditional Italian cakes (Panettone), accompanied by hot chocolate, mulled wine, and dishes lovingly prepared by the parents of the children.
The event was attended, among others, by the Grand Archdeacon of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Alexandros, and the Deputy Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod, Oikoumenios.
In the end, all participants came together to surprise the Elder Metropolitan of Derkoi, celebrating his 50 years of priesthood on December 30. The children presented him with a symbolic gift, and collectively, everyone extended heartfelt wishes on the anniversary of the shepherd of the Derkoi Province. Gifts were also given by the Metropolitan and the President of the Community.
