Ecumenical Patriarch unveils monument and attends naming of Imbros and Tenedos Square in Nea Smyrni, Athens

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew unveiled a commemorative monument honouring the islands of Imbros and Tenedos and participated in the naming ceremony of Imbros and Tenedos Square in the municipality of Nea Smyrni, Attica, Greece. Earlier that day, he attended a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Fotini.

At the unveiling of the monument, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his joy and gratitude, stating he felt “happy and excited” by the dedication of the square. Addressing the Municipal Authority, he emphasised: “With your decision, you have inscribed your names on the hearts of Imbrians and Tenedians everywhere. The warmth and love of the Municipality warmed our hearts. We feel as if we are returning to a hidden source of light, the light that emanates from the true light.”

Mayor George Koutelakis of Nea Smyrni welcomed the Ecumenical Patriarch with warm words, describing it as a great honour for the municipality to host the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Fotini for the first time. He deemed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as “a strong and influential guardian of the Church’s values” and highlighted his deep, enduring love for the islands of Imbros and Tenedos, a love that has extended to Nea Smyrni.

“The Imbrians and Tenedians are our brothers and sisters, who found a warm embrace in our municipality, forming a unifying core alongside the Asia Minor refugees and Constantinopolitans of our city,” Mayor Koutelakis emphasised. He added that the creation of the monument was the culmination of mutual love and respect, serving as a symbolic recognition of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s work.

During the event, Giorgos Papatheodorou, President of the Imbrian Association, and Panagiotis Okomoussis, President of the Tenedos Association, also offered heartfelt greetings.

The monument, featuring metal elements crafted by renowned sculptor Theodoros Papagiannis, was constructed under the supervision of architect Despina Faridou.

The ceremony was attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Symeon of Nea Smyrni, His Eminence Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, esteemed hierarchs, Archons of the Great Church of Christ and other dignitaries.

Source and photographs: neasmyrni.gr / orthodoxtimes.com