The Ecumenical Patriarch arrives at the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni in Lefkada

Lefkada warmly welcomed His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew with a grand ceremony on Sunday afternoon at the Holy Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni.

The Ecumenical Patriarch was welcomed at the Monastery by a guard of honour, the local band, clergy of various ranks, young people in traditional costumes, and a large crowd of supporters.

As reported by the local media, His Eminence Metropolitan Theophilos of Lefkada and the Abbot of the Monastery, Father Nikiforos, extended a warm welcome to the Patriarch upon his arrival on the island. At Aktion airport, the Patriarch was greeted by a government representative, Deputy Minister of Education and Religious Affairs, Ms. Zetta Makri, along with MP Mr. Athanasios Kavvadas, Regional Governor Giannis Trepeklis, Mayor Mr. Xenofon Verginis, and Deputy Governor Mr. Antonios Douvitsas.

Following these welcome addresses, the Mayor of Lefkada delivered an address, to which the Patriarch responded from a specially arranged platform. The ceremony outside the monastery culminated in the unveiling of a plaque dedicating a square to “Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew,” commemorating his visit.

Afterwards, a Doxology Service was held in the Monastery’s Katholikon.

Photographs: Nikos Paparchristou / Ecumenical Patriarchate

Source: orthodoxtimes.com