Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visits the Holy Hesychastyrion of the Holy Forerunner in Akritochori, Serres
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, after his arrival at the “Macedonia” International Airport of Thessaloniki, on Thursday, 19 September 2024, departed directly for Akritochori Serres, for a two-day pilgrimage visit to the Holy Hesychastyrion of the Holy Forerunner Saint John the Baptist, following the invitation of His Eminence Metropolitan Makarios of Sidirokastro and of the Sisterhood.
Upon his arrival, His All-Holiness was welcomed by the Abbess of the Hesychastyrion, Gerontissa Iakovi, with her Sisterhood, in the presence of the Abbots of the Mount athos Monasteries Pantokrator and Xenophontos, Archimandrites Elder Gabriel and Elder Alexiou. He was also welcomed by Messrs. Panagiotis Spyropoulos, Deputy Regional Governor of Serres, Georgios Tatsios, Mayor of Sintiki and Kleanthis Kotsakiachidis, Mayor of Herakleia, as well as the faithful.
During his stay, His All-Holiness conducted a Trisagion for the repose of the soul of the late Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima, who was buried in the Cemetery of the Hesychastyrion, as well as the Consecration of the opening of the new pilgrim hostel, while he had the opportunity to carry out, with his escort, walks in forests routes of the area and to visit the wetland of Kerkini (The National Park of Lake Kerkini), where he was informed about its ecosystem, as well as of a byre where the local water buffaloes are bred.
On Saturday, before noon, His All-Holiness left for the neighbouring Metropolis of Polyana and Kilkis, where, as planned, he will make an official visit.
