A delegation of the Regional Union of Municipalities of Central Macedonia had a meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in the afternoon at the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fanari (PEDCM) led by the president and mayor of Pylaia – Hortiatis, Ignatio Kaitesides.
The PEDCM delegation, accompanied by the Metropolitan of Neapolis and Stavroupolis, Edirne Mr., is making a visit to Istanbul from today, with the first stop being the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Initially, a vespers was held in the Patriarchal Church of Agios Georgios, followed by a meeting of the Greek delegation with Mr. Bartholomew in the Throne Room.
"I feel joy and jubilation because m’ I like communicating with people and because I see that the few of us who stayed here for reasons regardless of our will, we are not alone. They think of us, they pray for us, they love us, they support us in our daily struggle, the rough one, said Mr. Bartholomeos, welcoming the mayors of Central Macedonia, visibly moved.
During his greeting, he referred to the daily life at the Patriarchate, saying that "you know that our Patriarchate is trying, so to speak, with the “nails and teeth” to fulfill under any external conditions the Ecumenical Mission. To give a living testimony of faith and hope and love in every direction. During all the years of my humble Patriarchate I tried to promote and increase pan-Orthodox unity and cooperation".
The Ecumenical Patriarch also referred to the war in Ukraine saying it is "a tragedy, what is happening in Ukraine is a drama, a country in the heart of Europe. Two hundred churches were destroyed by the bombings, I don't know how many hospitals and schools. Six million Ukrainian refugees are in various countries of Europe".
From his side, Mr. Kaitezidis, as head of the PEDKM delegation, addressing Mr. Bartholomeus, said that "the weight of history is heavy on our backs, but we will leave here once more renewed, stronger, with respect, gratitude and true love. And always with the promise of our return here", while offering him a commemorative gift on behalf of all the mayors of Central Macedonia.
During the trip to Istanbul, the PEDCM delegation will attend on Thursday the consecration of the waters in Triglia which is celebrated every year on 19 January with the Julian calendar, while he will visit the Valoukli nursing home, which he financed financially with 50.000 euros after the disastrous fire last August.