Ecumenical Patriarch performed the divine liturgy at Panagia Sumela for the Dormition of the Theotokos
After several years of renovations and pandemic restrictions, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew returned to the Monastery of Panagia Soumela in Trabzon, Turkey, on Monday, August 15, 2022, for the Feast Day of the Dormition of the Theotokos.
Located high in the Pontic Mountains, the Panagia Soumela Monastery was founded nearly 1600 years ago.
“Here is the monastery which is the center of the heart of every Pontian, of every Greek, Pontian or not,” said Archbishop Elpidophoros in a statement following the liturgy.
In attendance were the Consul General of Greece to Constantinople, Georgia Soultanopoulou, who read the Creed during the service, and the Member of the Greek Parliament Savvas Anastasiadis.
The ordination of Deacon Epifanios also took place during the historic service.
Hailing from Ukraine, Epifanios was joined by his sister, who, “engaged in the defense of their homeland’s freedom,” secured special permission to attend her brother’s ordination, said the Ecumenical Patriarch in Sunday’s Homily for the Great Vespers of the Dormition.
Source: orthodoxtimes.com
More Photos: © GOARCH / Brittainy Newman
