The All-Honoured Patriarchal Church of Saint George the Trophy-Bearer in the humble Phanar, the seat of the First-Throne Church of God, this Sunday reflected the spiritual magnificence and sacred heritage of holy Orthodoxy. Hierarchs, monks, priests, and faithful from the entire Orthodox world converged in the heart of Constantinople to celebrate the name day of the Primate of the Orthodox Church, His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Mr. Bartholomew.
During the Divine Liturgy, amidst this diverse, yet in love and prayers united congregation, with the blessing of our Bishop, His Eminence, the Metropolitan of Debar-Kichevo Mr. Timothy, our monastic community from the Holy Monasteries of Bigorski, Rajcica, and Prechista, led by our beloved Elder, the Bishop of Antania Mr. Parthenius, also attended the Mystery. The Tetovo -Gostivar Metropolitan Mr. Joseph, who was representing our revered Archbishop, was given a place of honour among the hierarchs.
At the end of the Holy Liturgy, congratulatory messages sent by the heads of several local Orthodox Churches were read before His All-Holiness, including the message from our Most Blessed Archbishop Mr. Stephen.
Showered with the love of those present, as well as of all those around the world who respect his work and person, the Ecumenical Patriarch radiated a special glow, emanating from his supreme authority and spiritual fatherhood, while his eyes sparkled with the wisdom and enlightenment of God. With every movement, with every spoken word, he emitted tranquillity to all who were blessed to be in his presence.
After the celebration in the church, His All-Holiness, despite the many guests, honoured our monastic community with a personal meeting. In a gesture of gratitude for the establishment of our Church in canonical unity, our Elder, on behalf of all the brothers and sisters, presented the Ecumenical Patriarch with an archiepiscopal encolpion, and the monks and nuns prepared a letter of gratitude.
Many years to come, Your All-Holiness!
