Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew proclaimed Honorary Citizen of Lefkada during ceremony at the City Hall

26/06/24 - 07:40 pm

Published by VEMA

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, currently on an official visit to the Greek island of Lefkada, was honoured at a ceremony held at the city hall, where he was proclaimed an honorary citizen of Lefkada.

On Monday morning, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew graced a three-day event with his presence and blessed the faithful during the procession of the Holy Icon of Panagia Faneromeni. The day began with his attendance at the Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni, where he presided over the festive Divine Liturgy. A particularly moving moment occurred when the Patriarch descended the stairs offering a panoramic view of the Ionian Sea, following the procession of the miraculous icon the Panagia Faneromeni.

Following the Divine Liturgy, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Metropolitan Theophilos of Lefkada planted an olive tree outside the renovated synodal hall, which was then inaugurated by the Patriarch.

In the early afternoon, the Patriarch, accompanied by Metropolitan Theophilos, visited the cemetery of Lefkada. They were welcomed by Mayor Charalambos Verginis before proceeding to the church of the cemetery. The Patriarch then visited the tombs of the late Metropolitans Dorotheos and Nikiforos, where he conducted a memorial service, honouring their legacy and humbly kneeling before their graves.

The residents of Lazarata and visitors eagerly awaited Patriarch Bartholomew’s arrival in the village square. The Patriarch made a brief stop before proceeding to the Holy Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Livadi, Karya, where he was welcomed by the deputy mayor of Sfakiota, Nikos Lazaris. Father Panagiotis Lazaris addressed the Patriarch, and young Lefkadian women dressed in traditional customes presented His All-Holiness with flowers. In his brief speech, Patriarch Bartholomew spoke about the relationship between the Patriarchate and other churches, as well as his homeland of Imbros.

The visit of the Ecumenical Patriarch to Lefkada was a significant event, filled with moments of profound spiritual and communal importance, culminating in his recognition as an honorary citizen of the island.