The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attended the musical event organized by the Metropolis of Derkoi, on Wednesday afternoon, January 24, 2024, at the Sismanoglio Hall.
At the event, which took place on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of the Archpriesthood of the Ecumenical Patriarch, members of the Women’s Choir of the Holy Metropolis of Derkoi “Daphnes” sang, and subsequently, the Patriarch blessed the Vasilopita of the Holy Metropolis, congratulating Metropolitan Elder Apostolos of Derkoi, for his work. “In these approximately twelve years as Metropolitan Elder of Derkoi, but also previously as Metropolitan of Moschonisia, he works with zeal, selflessness distinguishes himself for his philotimo, and for his hard work,” the Ecumenical Patriarch stressed in his speech.
He also congratulated the members and musicians of the Choir, while presenting to the large audience two distinguished guests: Archimandrite Prodromos, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Megisti Lavra on Mount Athos, and the Catholic Archbishop of the Principality of Monaco, Dominique-Marie David.
As he stated, “The Monastery of Megisti Lavra is the first of the twenty Monasteries on Mount Athos. The first, the historical, the largest, founded by Saint Athanasius the Athonite, originating from Trebizond.”
Addressing Archimandrite Prodromos, the Patriarch asked him, upon his return to Mount Athos, in “this blessed place,” to convey “to all the devout, holy Fathers, not only of his Monastery but of the entire Holy Mountain, our wishes, our love, our respect, and our admiration.
Presenting the Catholic Archbishop of the Principality of Monaco, it was mentioned that, following the request of the then Metropolitan of France and the current Metropolitan Elder of Chalcedon, he granted a church for the service of Orthodox faithful residing in the Eparchy, where he officiated during his recent visit to Monaco.
The Ecumenical Patriarch was welcomed at the Sismanoglio Hall by Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras, the Consul General of Greece in Constantinople, and warmly addressed by Metropolitan Elder Derkoi.
Members of the Holy and Sacred Synod, other Hierarchs of the Throne, clergy, dignitaries of the Holy Metropolis of Constantinople, and a multitude of compatriots were present.
Photo: Nikos Papachristou
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
