Patriarch of Alexandria attended celebrations for the anniversary of 28 October 1940 in Rethymno
In the presence of His Beatitude Pope and Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria, the official celebrations for the 28 October 1940 anniversary took place in Rethymno. Simultaneously, the memory of the Four Martyrs of Rethymno was solemnly commemorated, marking 200 years since their sacrifice on 24 October 1824.
In the morning, the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and the official Doxology were celebrated in the presence of the Minister of National Economy and Finance, Mr Kostis Hatzidakis, who represented the government, along with representatives from the academic community, local government, Security Forces, and the Armed Forces.
Wreaths were laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, after which officials gathered to observe the parade held in front of the Town Hall.
Deeply moved and tearful during his visit to Rethymno, Crete, the Patriarch of Alexandria expressed heartfelt emotions as he watched the student youth and young participants from cultural associations. He said, “I feel a deep pride seeing my children here, on our beloved island of Crete once again.
I came from Alexandria to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Four Martyrs in Rethymno. Ι would like to extend my gratitude to our Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno and Avlopotamos, and through Minister Kostis Hatzidakis, offer heartfelt thanks on behalf of all of us immigrants who live far away but always keep our homeland and Crete close in our hearts. When we have Greece, we have no fear, for it is eternal. From the land of Africa, the continent of the future, I send my heartfelt wishes.”
On this day of remembrance, pride, honour, and unity, Minister Hatzidakis delivered remarks, emphasising that today’s anniversary “proves that our nation, over 200 years of freedom, may have endured trials by fire and iron, yet it has always found the strength to confront challenges and move forward with its head held high.” “It is up to us, modern Greeks, to undertake our own struggles with seriousness and effectiveness, and I am confident that, through national unity, we will succeed.”
Speaking about Rethymno and the spiritual anniversary of its Saints, the Minister stated: “It is a double celebration for Rethymno, as this year marks the 200th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Four Martyrs in our city. “For me, this holds special sentimental value, as I was baptised in the church here. Today’s celebration, in the presence of our Patriarch of Alexandria—a fellow Cretan who honours us with his presence—is especially meaningful.”
Many people attended the festivities and the parade, with favourable weather and the Patriarch of Alexandria’s wishes for progress and resolution of the global issues that are dominated by insecurity and wars.
Immediately following the Doxology at the Church of the Four Martyrs, Patriarch Theodoros, accompanied by Metropolitan Prodromos of Rethymno, Deputy Regional Governor Maria Lioni, and Mayor Giorgis Marinakis of Rethymno, planted four olive trees across from the church. This act was in honour and memory of the martyrs, with the clergy’s heartfelt wish that their sacrifice, for faith and freedom, would never be forgotten.
Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria expressed his prayerful hope for rain, that the earth and crops may be nourished. He reminded everyone that later in the afternoon, he would perform a supplication service to pray for the much-needed rain, offering support for the farmers and the land.
In the context of the celebration and the Patriarchal Divine Liturgy, the Patriarch of Alexandria honoured the Deputy Governor and Mayor of Rethymno with the Patriarchal Cross of the Alexandrian Throne, along with two Rethymnian benefactors of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, who actively support its missionary work on the African continent.
Photographs: goodnet.gr
Source: orthodoxtimes.com
