Divine Liturgy and ordination of a deacon at the Metropolis of Derkoi

On Tuesday, 27 December 2023, His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi presided over the feast day divine liturgy commemorating the memory of Saint Stephanos the Archdeacon and Protomartyr.

The Divine Liturgy was co-celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Anthimos of Alexandroupolis, who also performed the ordination of Fr. Panagiotis Kapareliotis as a Deacon. This newly ordained Deacon is assigned to serve within the Holy Metropolis of Alexandroupolis.

After the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Metropolitan Anthimos, in his homily, commemorated the 50th anniversary of Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi’s ordination (December 30, 1973 – December 30, 2023). He presented the Elder Metropolitan with an epigonation, adorned with an embroidered image of the Virgin Mary.

Metropolitan Anthimos praised the distinguished ministry of Metropolitan Apostolos within the Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Holy Theological School of Halki, and the Holy Metropolis of Derkoi. Metropolitan Anthimos also highlighted his impactful visits to various parts of the world, including Greece, Cyprus, and Italy.

After this, Metropolitan Apostolos also reflected on the third anniversary of Fr. Daniel Zafeiris’s ordination.

The sacred celebration was graced by the presence of Alexandroupolis Mayor Mr. Ioannis Zamboukis, Mr. Theophanis Isaakidis (President of the Cappadocian Association in Greece), as well as relatives of the newly ordained Deacon.

The commemorations continued with a reception held in the Community Hall of Saint Stephanos, followed by a festive luncheon graciously hosted by His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi.

Source: fosfanariou.gr