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

On New Year’s Eve, in the evening, the Archbishop engaged in a phone conversation with the Ecumenical Patriarch, where they exchanged wishes. Both expressed the hope that in 2024, much-desired peace would prevail in our world troubled by wars and conflicts.

Emphasizing the significance of cooperation and collaboration between the two Churches, the two church leaders highlighted the importance of self-evident mutual understanding. This, they noted, is vital for the ongoing strengthening of pan-Orthodox unity and the spiritual support of God’s people.

After the exchange of festive wishes and the rendition of traditional carols by the clergy of the Patriarchal Court, African students from the Patriarchal School of Alexandria ‘M. Athanasios,’ and Patriarchate staff to Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa in the Private Patriarchal Office, the Grand Vespers of the Feast of the Circumcision of the Lord and Basil the Great took place. The Patriarch officiated the liturgy at the Patriarchal Chapel of Saints Theodores.

Metropolitan Panteleimon of Naucratis and Metropolitan Narcissus of Pelusium were also present. In addition, Metropolitan Germanos of Tamiatheus, the Head of the Patriarchal School “Saint Athanasios,” Archim. Isaac Tsapoglou, and the other Greek and Arab clergy of the Archdiocese of the Great City.

Also present, Ex. Consul General in Alexandria Ioannis Pyrgakis, along with his spouse, the President of the Greek Community of Alexandria, Andreas Vafeiadis, the Captain and Association of the Greek Navy, Konstantinos Varouxis, along with his spouse, the President of the Greek Yacht Club Of Alexandria, and the Association of Greek Scientists “Ptolemy A” Lilika Thlivitou, and many others were also present.

Subsequently, the Patriarch blessed the vasilopita, cutting the first piece. He then extended the invitation to official representatives to partake, a Christian custom symbolizing the unity of all Egyptians in the City of Alexander.

In his address, the Primate of the Alexandrian Church highlighted the advancements in the challenging missionary work and called upon all to intensify their prayers for the peoples in need throughout Africa. He also urged for immediate cessation of war conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, where the living image of God is subjected to torture, destruction, and death – transcending race, faith, or language. Additionally, prayers were requested for the uninterrupted progress and prosperity of Egypt, Greece, and Cyprus.

He conveyed gratitude to his associates in the Patriarchal See, clergy, and laity. His well-wishes extended to the Consul General of Greece in Alexandria and the President of the Greek Community of Constantinople, with hopes for their continued success in their respective duties for the benefit of fellow citizens.

The Patriarchal Vicar of Alexandria, Metropolitan Narcissus, highlighted the personal struggle, gifts, dedication to duty, and the well-known virtues of generosity and love that surround every person. He also acknowledged the permanently positive attitude of the Patriarch towards the God-given gift of life.

His mother Emily (commemorated July 19) and his grandmother Macrina (Jan. 14) are Saints of the Church, together with all his brothers and sisters: Macrina, his elder sister (July 19), Gregory of Nyssa (Jan. to), Peter of Sebastia (Jan. 9), and Naucratius.

Basil studied in Constantinople under the sophist Libanius, then in Athens, where also he formed a friendship with the young Gregory, a fellow Cappadocian, later called “the Theologian.” Through the good influence of his sister Macrina (see July 19), he chose to embrace the ascetical life, abandoning his worldly career. He visited the monks in Egypt, in Palestine, in Syria, and in Mesopotamia, and upon returning to Caesarea, he departed to a hermitage on the Iris River in Pontus, not far from Annesi, where his mother and his sister Macrina were already treading the path of the ascetical life; here he also wrote his ascetical homilies.

About the year 370, when the bishop of his country reposed, he was elected to succeed to his throne and was entrusted with the Church of Christ, which he tended for eight years, living in voluntary poverty and strict asceticism, having no other care than to defend holy Orthodoxy as a worthy successor of the Apostles. Emperor Valens, and Modestus, the Eparch of the East, who were of one mind with the Arians, tried with threats of exile and of torments to bend the Saint to their own confession because he was the bastion of Orthodoxy in all Cappadocia and preserved it from heresy when Arianism was at its strongest. But he set all their malice at nought, and in his willingness to give himself up to every suffering for the sake of the Faith, showed himself to be a martyr by volition.

Modestus, amazed at Basil’s fearlessness in his presence, said that no one had ever so spoken to him. “Perhaps,” answered the Saint, “you have never met a bishop before.” Emperor Valens himself was almost won over by Basil’s dignity and wisdom. When Valens’ son fell gravely sick, he asked Saint Basil to pray for him. The Saint promised that his son would be restated if Valens agreed to have him baptized by the Orthodox; Valens agreed, Basil prayed, and the son was restored. But afterwards, the Emperor had him baptized by Arians, and the child died soon after.

Later, Valens, persuaded by his counsellors, decided to send the Saint into exile because he would not accept the Arians into communion; but his pen broke when he was signing the edict of banishment. He tried a second time and a third, but the same thing happened, so that the Emperor was filled with dread, and tore up the document, and Basil was not banished. The truly great Basil spent with extreme ascetical practices and continual labours, at the helm of the church, departed to the Lord on the 1st of January, in 379. at the age of forty-nine.

His writings are replete with wisdom and erudition, and rich are these gifts he set forth the doctrines concerning the mysteries both of the creation (see his Hexaemeron) and of the Holy Trinity (see On the Holy Spirit). Because of the majesty and keenness of his eloquence, he is honoured as “the revealer of heavenly things” and “the Great.”

Saint Basil is also celebrated on January 30th with Saint Gregory the Theologian and Saint John Chrysostom.

Source: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America

The president was welcomed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, the President of the Parliament, Konstantinos Tasoulas, the newly-elected Regional Governor of Attiki, Nikos Hardalias, the newly-elected Mayor of Athens, Haris Doukas, and the Protosyncellus of the Holy Synod, Archimandrite Varnavas Theocharis.

In his New Year’s message, the Archbishop of Athens expressed his wish for a creative and peaceful new year, one that guides us out of pitfalls and difficulties. The Archbishop stressed that the unique, the strongest, the most beautiful motto of this day and of the days to come, “let us all forget, either significant or trivial issues, what divides us, and choose to live and fight for all that unites us, which is abundant.”

Finally, he extended his wishes for a happy and bright New Year.

Ministers of the government, leaders and representatives of the parties, the heads of the armed forces and security forces, the president of the Supreme Civil and Criminal Court, the president of the Court of Auditors were present.

Following the Doxology, Archbishop Ieronymos proceeded to the Presidential Palace to extend his wishes for a happy New Year to the president.

Source: ANA-MPA / Translated by Thanos Chrysanthopoulos

At the Great Vespers, on the eve of the feast, Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta, Archiepiscopal Vicar of Northcote, officiated, and conveyed to the congregation the festive wishes of Archbishop Makarios of Australia. The holy sermon was preached by Bishop Themistocles of Nicopolis, of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, who is currently in Australia, and who is from Sierra Leone where he ministers.

At the conclusion of the Vespers, Bishop Evmenios, offered heartfelt wishes to Father Vasilios Kourtesis for his name day, who has served the Holy Archdiocese of Australia for fifty years.

On the day of the feast, Bishop Evmenios presided over the matins and the festive Divine Liturgy, while during his sermon he referred to the great gift of time that God gives us to come to find ourselves. “This is not a time to waste but to find ourselves and restore our relationship with God,” he emphasized and continued: “Every new year requires change, in order for everyone to survive through it. However, we usually want change, but in others. We more easily demand change from others, rather than from ourselves. But the world, and our society, is not going to change if we personally, each one of us, do not change internally first. Let us find peace within ourselves, so that externally each of us may become the salt of the earth and the light of the world.”

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta cut the traditional Vasilopita of the Parish and made a special reference to 2024 which is an important year for the Archdiocese of Australia, as it celebrates the 100th anniversary of its foundation, and also the visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in October, when the anniversary events will culminate.

Natural disasters and isolated incidents that have affected everyone and are of concern for future generations.

Two major wars, in Ukraine and Gaza, are still ongoing and, without any doubt, will last for some time to come.

In Orthodoxy we see that church leaders cannot contribute to reconciliation and align with camps, either governmental, political, business. Let us hope that the new year will give them time to delve deeper into the essence and focus less on the ephemeral and human aspects.

For yet another year, Orthodox Times diligently monitored and documented the events significant to the church, and beyond, throughout 2023.

With an objective perspective coupled with an unwavering willingness to express opinions from the outset, Orthodox Times delivers the facts and news directly and validly.

The administration, alongside all those who work to accurately convey to you the events surrounding us – journalists, translators, and administrative staff – are committed that in 2024 we will be even more direct, consistently valid, and undoubtedly with a more increased critical approach.

We wish you all a Happy New Year. May 2024 be blessed and bright.

Efi Efthimiou

Orthodox Times

During his address of admonition, the Archbishop expressed the joy of the local Church and himself personally, for the entry into the priesthood of a person who has a special zeal for the liturgical life of the Church, as well as an infinite love for the Holy Altar, who is called henceforth to minister. In support of this, he pointed out: “I know very well that, living in rural Australia, you would drive many hours every Sunday to come to Newcastle in order to go to the Church of the Holy Apostles, attend the Divine Liturgy, be sanctified, and then return to your family home. Everyone here in the parish, first of all Fr. Nicholas, appreciates your apostolic zeal and praises your love for the Divine Liturgy.”

Afterwards, the Archbishop paternally urged him not to lose this precious gift and spiritual resource that he possesses, that is, the zeal for the Worship of God, but to cultivate it as much as possible and to increase it, “without ever becoming familiar with the sacred and divine, and without the Worship of our Church ever becoming for you a mere habit and a formal duty.” Archbishop Makarios also urged him to truly become a “Evangelos,” as his name indicates, i.e. a preacher of the good news, and to pursue this not only with words from the pulpit, but primarily with his life and example and the good witness of his ministry.

Apart from this, after counting the many gifts and virtues that adorn the personality of the new Deacon, the Archbishop estimated that the blessed family he has created along with his Presbytera and their four children would help him to accomplish the difficult task he undertook.

Concluding, the Archbishop recalled the words of the Apostle Paul of the Gentiles: “be sober-minded in all things” (2 Tim. 4:5) and the command “prepare the way of the Lord,” which was heard in the gospel reading of the day. Therefore, he urged the new Deacon, on the one hand, to be constantly spiritually alert and to keep the eyes and ears of his intellect open to what God commanded, and, on the other hand, to be fully aware that he was becoming a clergyman not to work for himself but with the mission of preparing the way which the Lord would walk in order to come and be born in the heart of every believer.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Makarios of Australia also tonsured two Readers, those being Ioannis Willmot and Aaron Donato, whom he properly advised for the ministry they are undertaking, while he wished all the faithful and the Parish Priest, Father Nicholas Scordilis, that the new year 2024 would be blessed and fruitful for the Parish – Community of the Holy Apostles and for their families.

Sakellaropoulou reiterated Greece’s full support to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem which, once again in its long history, is called upon, as she pointed out, to carry out its mission in very difficult times.

Finally, she expressed a wish for a swift normalization of the situation and the healing of the wounds that the war has inevitably inflicted on the lives of our fellow human beings.

Source: ANA-MPA / Translated by Thanos Chrysanthopoulos

On this day, the whole Church, especially that of Jerusalem, remembers that Saint Modestos was distinguished in the 7th century. He started his monastic striving at the Holy Monastery of Abba Theodosius the Cenobiarch in the Judean Desert.

Successor to Patriarch Zacharias on the Throne of Jerusalem, he renovated Churches and monasteries and proved to be a helper of broken souls, overwhelmed by the fury of the Persian invasion in the year 614. He slept in the Lord as a holy man.

In his honour, in the Holy Monastery named after him, also known as Abou-Tor, Vespers was held in the afternoon by Archimandrites Christodoulos and Amfilochios and Hierodeacon Eulogios. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Saturday morning by Archbishop Nektarios of Anthedona, under the chanting of Hierodeacon Simeon and the attendance of monks, nuns and faithful Christians from Jerusalem.

During the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem visited the Holy Monastery, accompanied by the Holy Sepulchre Fathers.

The Patriarchal and Episcopal entourages were offered a treat by dedicated monk Antiochos, who is in charge of the Monastery and defends it from the challenges of the ill-behaved people.

Source / Photo credits: Patriarchate of Jerusalem