On Sunday, August 1, 2021, Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna presided over the Divine Liturgy on the first day of this blessed period of fasting. After the end of the Liturgy, the Sanctification rite was performed at the beginning of the month.
Metropolitan Bartholomew addressed the faithful and referred to the special meaning of this period and the importance of the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos that the Orthodox seek during this period and called the congregation to spiritual and physical vigilance during this period. In the afternoon of the same day, Metropolitan Bartholomew presided over the Great Supplicatory Canon to Virgin Mary.
Source: fosfanariou.gr