“We strive and pray for peace and justice, firmly believing in the possibility of a world free from war and violence. We advocate for sincere dialogue as the most effective means of problem resolution,” said Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in his speech for the beginning of the new year following the Divine Liturgy, over which he presided the New Year’s morning at the Patriarchal Church in the Phanar.
The Ecumenical Patriarch was accompanied by Metropolitans Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Meliton of Philadelphia, Eirinaios of Myriophytos and Peristasis, Chrysostomos of Myra, Theoleptos of Iconium, Ioakeim of Bursa, and Theodoros of Seleucia. The Divine Liturgy was officiated by Grigorios, and at its conclusion, the Patriarch appointed him to the position of the Great Protosyncellus of the Holy Great Church of Christ.
“We have ardently advocated for the Christian witness in the modern world, countering trends that undermine the dignity of the human person. Humanity is still faced with constant and recurring problems, but there are many unprecedented developments as a result of the exponential advancements in science and technology. There is the mass displacement of populations due to climate change, occasional cultural clashes, the erosion and devaluation of values, and numerous other global challenges the Church cannot ignore or remain passive towards. The encounter of the Church with the modern world is an opportunity for the former to express its faith and to highlight its philanthropic character in action.
Throughout the past year, our primary focus has been the pursuit of peace and our commitment to fostering reconciliation. As the devastating war in Ukraine persists, the last quarter brought the additional distress of a violent conflict in the Middle East, with its painful repercussions. We strive and pray for peace and justice, firmly believing in the possibility of a world free from war and violence. We advocate for sincere dialogue as the most effective means of problem resolution.
Previously, Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon addressed the Ecumenical Patriarch on behalf of the Hierarchy of the Throne, and then Archon Adamantios Komvopoulos, who exntended his wishes on behalf of the Offikialioi of the Great Church of Christ and the Greek Diaspora of Constantinople.
New Year’s Eve at the Phanar
On the Sunday after the Nativity of Christ, December 31, 2023, on New Year’s Eve, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attended prayerfully the Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church, which was officiated by Metropolitan Theodoros of Seleucia.
Early in the afternoon of the same day, the Ecumenical Patriarch presided over the Great Vespers for the feast of the Circumcision of the Lord and the Feast of Basil the Great, along with Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi, Elder Metropolitan Dimitrios of the Princes’ Islands, Metropolitans Meliton of Philadelphia, Eirinaios of Myriophytos and Peristasis, Chrysostomos of Myra, Theoleptos of Iconium, Stephanos of Kallioupolis and Madytos, Athenagoras of Kydonia, Maximos of Selyvria, Amphilochios of Adrianoupolis, Andreas of Saranda Ekklisies, Ioakim of Bursa, and Theodoros of Seleucia.
Bishops Adrianos of Alikarnassos, Cassianos of Aravissos, Benjamin of Tralleis, Smaragdos of Dafnousia, and Paisios of Xanthoupolis, Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras, Consul General of Greece in Constantinople, along with his spouse, Consul of Ukraine Maksim Vdovychenko, and many believers attended prayerfully the service.
Subsequently, the Ecumenical Patriarch graciously received the well-wishes of the Hierarchs, as well as the greetings from the members, clergy, and laity of the Patriarchal Court, along with other staff of the Patriarchate, in the Patriarchal Office.
During the festive meal at the Patriarchal table, which was attended by the Hierarchs of the Throne, the golden coin of the Vasilopita happened to Metropolitan Elder Dimitrios of Princes’ Islands. The golden coin of the second Vasilopita, which was blessed by the Ecumenical Patriarch, immediately afterwards, in the Throne Room, in the presence of clergy, believers from Constantinople and pilgrims from abroad, happened to belong to the Tertiary Barnabas.
In his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch wished a happy and healthy birthday to all those serving in the Ecumenical Patriarchate, to the Greek diaspora, and to pilgrims from abroad, as well as expressed the wish and hope that peace would prevail in the world, especially in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Following this, students from the Patriarchal Great School of the Nation joyfully presented New Year’s carols, upholding a cherished tradition of the Greek Diaspora.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou