Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to celebrate official opening of the Cathedral Church of Smyrna

The Holy Metropolis of Smyrna has made an announcement that on Sunday, 8 December 2024, the official opening (Thyranoixia) of the Holy Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos of Smyrna will be held by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

In detail, the announcement states:

In praise of the Most Holy Name of the Triune God, it is hereby announced that His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, has been graciously invited by His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna, to travel to Smyrna, accompanied by His esteemed entourage, on Sunday, 8 December 2024, in order to celebrate the inauguration of the church which was granted by His Holiness Pope Francis of Rome, for the needs of the Orthodox Christians living in Smyrna, the former Roman Catholic Church of Santa Maria, known now as the Holy Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos.

The Ecumenical Patriarch will officiate during the Divine Liturgy in this Holy Church on Sunday morning, 8 December 2024, in the presence of representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, including a three-member delegation of the Franciscan Order, to which this Church belongs.