Historic visit of the Ecumenical Patriarch to Sparta on 25-27 November
The Holy Metropolis of Monemvasia and Sparta has the extraordinary honour and blessing of welcoming His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during the period from November 25 to 27, 2024.
It is the first time in centuries that a Primate of the Holy Church of Christ will visit Sparta and his auspicious presence will be recorded as a landmark in local church history.
The program of the visit is as follows:
Monday 25 November 2024
5:30 pm: Holy Church of Saint Nikon the “Metanoeite”
Arrival of the Ecumenical Patriarch to the courtyard of the Holy Church.
His All-Holiness along with his entourage will enter the Holy Church and conduct a Doxology Service. Addresses to be made by His Eminence Metropolitan Efstathios of Monemvasia and Sparta, the Mayor of Sparta, Mr. Michael Vakalopoulos, and the Regional Governor of Peloponnese, Mr. Dimitrios Ptochos. Response by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The service of the Great Feast Vespers will then take place, presided over by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Tuesday 26 November 2024
7:15 am: Holy Church of Saint Nikon the “Metanoeite”
The service of the Matins and the Feast Day Patriarchal Divine Liturgy will take place, presided over by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
11:00 am: Litany of the Holy Icon of Saint Nikon
5:30 pm: Church of Saint Ananias
Arrival of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the newly built Holy Church near the Administrative Office Regional Unit of Laconia.
Lighting of the Holy Oil-Lamp
Unveiling of a marble plaque commemorating His All-Holiness’ visit
Planting of an olive tree in the courtyard of the Holy Church by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Proclamation of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as an Honorary Citizen of the Municipality of Sparta.
Wednesday 27 November 2024
11:00 am: University of Peloponnese Amphitheatre in Sparta
Announcement of the recognition of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as an Honorary Doctor of the Department of Sports Organisation and Management of the Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences of the University of Peloponnese.
5:00 pm: Departure of His All-Holiness for Constantinople.
From the Holy Metropolis of Monemvasia and Sparta, all pious Christians are requested “to participate in the holy services and events during the historic visit of the Primate of Orthodoxy and Custodian of the traditions of our Nation, as His presence is a source of great honour and a special blessing for our Metropolis and the Christ-loving plenitude of our local Church”.
