In the presence of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Patriarchs of Romania and Bulgaria and a multitude of faithful, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated yesterday, Thursday, June 11, in an atmosphere of emotion and festive splendor for the memory of the Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas at the Holy Metropolitan Cathedral of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Imvros.
Read: Ecumenical Patriarch visits Imvros with Patriarchs of Romania and Bulgaria (Photos & video)
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: Appeal from Imvros for peace in every corner of the earth
The Ecumenical Patriarch in his address spoke about the significance of the day, the bonds between Orthodox Churches, the rebirth of Imvros, and the need for peace in war-torn regions of the world. Opening his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch characterized as a great blessing the gathering of the faithful in Imvros during the double apostolic feast of Saints Bartholomew and Barnabas and the assembly in honor of the icon “Axion Estin.” “The Grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered us today in the Aegean island of Imvros, our beloved homeland. Glory to God for this great joy and blessing He has reserved for us,” he declared.
Emotion for the rebirth of Imvros
The Ecumenical Patriarch made special reference to the reconstruction process of Imvros after decades of difficulties for the Greek population of the island. As he noted among other things: “Our Imvros, after many harsh and tear-filled years during which it was deprived of a large part of its indigenous population, their property and rights, has been struggling in recent years for a new social and spiritual reconstruction and flourishing, with God’s help, the support of the state authorities of modern Turkey and the friendly cooperation of local government. We anticipate better days.”
The Patriarch particularly emphasized the strong relationship of Imvros residents with the Virgin Mary, noting that the island has many churches and chapels dedicated to the Theotokos. As he said, the feast of the “Axion Estin” icon is a special source of joy and spiritual uplift for the faithful of the Metropolis of Imvros and Tenedos, while he also referred to Mount Athos’s contribution to the island’s spiritual and economic development.
The Patriarch explained that, although it is not customary for a sitting Ecumenical Patriarch to celebrate his name day outside Constantinople, he chose this year to be in his homeland, inviting the Primates of the Churches of Romania and Bulgaria. He spoke about the significance of Saint Bartholomew the Apostle in his life and ministry, recalling that he received his name upon his ordination as deacon 65 years ago in the same church.
“Saint Bartholomew the Apostle undertook a great work after Pentecost, leading peoples and nations to Christ and sealing his preaching with martyrdom. His personality and work are always for us a source of inspiration and light on the path of our ministry,” he emphasized, while also expressing gratitude for the help he has felt from his patron saint in critical moments for himself and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Appeal for peace
In the central message of his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch issued an appeal for peace in war-torn regions of the world. “We pray to the Most Holy Theotokos and all the Saints to intercede with the Lord of Peace not only for the pacification of suffering Ukraine and the Middle East, but also every corner of the Earth that is tested by military conflicts and upheavals,” he stated.
At the same time, he wished for the progress and strengthening of the Orthodox Church throughout the world. Closing his address, the Patriarch thanked the faithful who traveled from Greece and abroad to participate in the celebration. “We thank all of you wholeheartedly and each one individually. We wish every good thing and every perfect gift from the Father of Lights,” he said.
Source: ANA-MPA
