Syros: Feast Day of Saint Nicholas, Guardian and Protector of the Island
On Monday evening, 5 December 2023, His Eminence Metropolitan Dorotheos II of Syros, officiated at the Great Vespers which took place at the magnificent and historic Holy Cathedral of Saint Nicholas of Ermoupolis, and was joined by the Holy Clergy of Syros, in the presence of Cycladic Parliamentarians Mr. Philippos Fortomas and Markos Kafouros, the newly elected Mayor of Syros-Ermoupolis, Mr. Alexandros. Athanasiou, Regional and Municipal Councillors, the Commander of the 6th Coast Guard District, the Harbor Master of Syros, the Commander of the Merchant Marine Academy, the Commanders of the Naval Base in Syros and the National Guard Battalion of Ermoupolis, the Aegean Appeals Prosecutor, Educators, the Students of the Academy, who remained throughout the Feast Day Service, and a multitude of local faithful.
In his address, Metropolitan Dorotheos II, referring to one of the phrases of the Dismissal Hymn of Saint Nicholas, “You acquired treasure in heaven for being poor”, emphasised that this is not an oxymoron, because poverty is not the lack of money but the emptying and giving of ourselves to our fellow man, while wealth is the gifts and virtues of each person, love and charity, an inalienable wealth that follows man beyond the grave.
“This poverty and this wealth”, he added, “Saint Nicholas possessed, and made him a glorious and well-known Saint throughout the entire world, and these virtues he invites us to acquire, so that we can radiate the light and love of Christ in society!”, he underlined.
His Eminence Metropolitan Dorotheos congratulated the present Students of the Merchant Marine Academy of Syros for their presence, their kindness and culture and encouraged them in difficult times which they will face on the bridges of their ships and their lives to always turn their thoughts and prayers to Saint Nicholas, to seek his help and to be sure that he will be with them on the same “watch”, protector, and co-captain!
He also thanked and congratulated the Priests of the Church, Archimandrite Benedict Fragogiannis and Father Loukas Vassalos, the Church Commissioners, the Chanters, and helpers for the preparation of the Feast Day celebrations, as well as the Regional Television Station “Syros TV1”, who broadcasted the Service.
The position of Master of Ceremonies was successfully performed by the Hierarchical Vicar of Syros, Protopresbyter Flavianos Albescu.
