The Leave-taking of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos was celebrated at the Monastery of Panagia Soumela

The Leave-taking (Apodosis) of the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos was commemorated with deep emotion and solemnity at the historic Monastery of Panagia Soumela in Trebizond, Turkey.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Stefanos of Kallioupolis and Madytos. In his homily, Metropolitan Stefanos emphasised the importance of prayers for peace and solidarity across the world. He also expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Culture and Tourism, the Governor of Trabzon, and the Mayor for their support in facilitating the event.

It is worth noting that there were heightened security measures in place along the route from the city of Trabzon to the monastery.

This occasion marked the second time that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was not in attendance at the service. The Divine Liturgy was similarly presided over by Metropolitan Stefanos in 2020.

This year saw a significant decline in the number of pilgrims, with fewer than 100 attendees, the lowest number on record. This reduction is attributed to the stricter regulations with special permissions, primarily affecting pilgrims from Greece and Georgia. According to local media, the number of pilgrims has decreased markedly from around 500 in 2010 to fewer than 100 this year.

Source and photo: pontosnews.gr / orthodoxtimes.com