Thessaloniki bids farewell to the Late Former Metropolitan Anthimos

The bells of the Cathedral of the Wisdom of God rang mournfully last night, as Thessaloniki welcomed the body of the Shepherd who served the Metropolis and its people with devotion and love. The late Metropolitan Anthimos returned for the last time to the church that embraced him and that he served with all his soul.

• Photo-report: Raphael Georgiadis / ope.gr

Shortly before 7:00 PM, the procession carrying his sacred body arrived at the Cathedral Church of the Wisdom of God. The incense mingled with the tears of the faithful, who had gathered to say their final “thank you.”

The sadness painted on their faces, but also a silent gratitude for the years he guided them, for standing by them with comforting words, with a stern but always loving gaze.

The trisagion memorial service was performed by His All-Holiness Metropolitan Filotheos of Thessaloniki, who was accompanied by His Eminence Metropolitan Anthimos of Alexandroupolis, His Eminence Metropolitan Stephanos of Philippi, His Eminence Metropolitan Irenaeus of Florina, and His Grace Bishop Irenaeus of Region. The Chief Shepherd of the Thessalonians was accompanied by all the priests and deacons of the Metropolis.

The lights were dimmed, the body of the late Hierarch was placed in front of the Beautiful Gate (Holy Altar), where for years he himself stood and taught the word of God.

Thessaloniki bids farewell to a father, a spiritual guide, a man who wrote his own page in the city’s history. And as the faithful pass in front of his body, making the sign of the cross, there are many who whisper a prayer, for him, but also for the city he leaves behind, which today mourns.

On Saturday, at 12:00pm, Thessaloniki will accompany him to its martyred land, while His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece himself will also be present.

Source: orthodoxianewsagency.gr