The memory of Saint John Doukas Vatatzes was honoured in his birthplace, Didymoteichos, Greece

The saintly city of Didymoteichos is humbled because its worthy son, king John III Dukas Vatatzes, the merciful, was made worthy not only of the earthly kingdom, but also the heavenly and eternal Kingdom of the Heavens. His memory was honoured in his hometown on Friday, November 4, with the centre of the celebrations at the Holy Parish Church named after him in the city of Didymoteichos, which was rebuilt only twelve years ago, in the year 2010.

The events organised annually, under the title “VATATZIA”, this year had a special point of reference a) the completion of 800 years since the accession of the saint to the imperial throne of Nicaea, in 1222, in succession to Theodoros I of Laskares (1205- 1221), and b) the completion of 100 years since the Asia Minor Catastrophe, since the saint’s activity was based in Asia Minor.

The divine services, both the Festive Vespers in the evening and the Divine Liturgy in the morning, were presided over by the local Metropolitan of Didymoteichos, Orestiados and Soufli, His Eminence Damaskinos.

As part of the celebration, on the evening of November 4, at the Spiritual Center of the Holy Cathedral of Panagia Eleftherotria, an academic evening was held with the following speakers:

– Mr. Ioannis Sarsakis, historical researcher, on the subject: “1222:  John Vatatzes Emperor”,

– Mr. Georgios Papathanasopoulos, journalist and author, on the topic: “1922: Asia Minor Catastrophe”, and

– Mr. Konstantinos Holevas, political scientist and author, on the topic: “2022: The Vision: Double Anniversary: Thrace – Asia Minor”.

Evros Member of Parliament Mr. Anastasios Dimoshakis, Didymoteichos Mayor Mr. Romylos Hatzigiannoglou, XVI Division Commander General Theodoros Hatzigeorgiou, The Deputy Commander Brigadier Nikolaos Yiovanoudis and a large number of faithful were present.

The Choir of Traditional Music of the Holy Metropolis participated, under the direction of Choirmaster and Protopsaltes Mr. Christos Kissoudis.

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