Ecumenical Patriarch in Thessaloniki
20 Αυγ 2008 15:10:00

By Alexandros Moz

Sources: ANA-MPA

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was warmly welcomed Wednesday noon in Thessaloniki, northern Greece. He is due to visit Mt Athos to attend the festive events commemorating 500 years since the death of Saint Nifon, second founder of Dionisios Monastery.

Upon his arrival at the Macedonia Airport, Bartholomew said he was happy to be in Greece and in the land of Macedonia.

"On behalf of the Mother Church, I am here to convey feelings of affection, love and blessing to the pious people of Greece. I am praying these days for the victims of the Caucasus war and I am praying for peace in our region and in the world," said the Ecumenical Patriarch.

God bless Patriarch Bartholomeus and grant him many many happy years of health and prosperity.
Stephanos I

Hmmmm. A little too enthusiastic for me.

I remember being told by Alex Roman ("Orthodox Catholic") in this very forum that Patriarch Bartholomew is known to refuse to meet Athonite monks because he knows what they will tell him...

So, this comes as a sort of surprise. Hopefully, much good will come out of it.

At the Phanar I have visited Patriarch Bartholomew perhaps as many as six times (not an overwhelming number, but then Constantinople is quite a distance from Dublin). Several times I've run across monks from the Holy Mountain who had also come to visit the Ecumenical Patriarch.

That relations are sometimes strained is hardly a secret. But it is better not to make it worse!

God grant that the celebrations honoring the good Saint be joyful and edifying.

Fr. Serge

Dear Father Serge,

That is six times more than most of us have!!!

Respectfully,
Alice

Dear Alice,

If my having called on His All Holiness (whom I first met in Rome, incidentally) is increasing respect for me, no need to bother - I have no expectation of returning to Constantinople, much as I would like to.

Fr. Serge

His All-Holiness was also at Xenophontos in 1998 for the millenial celebration of that monastery. The CD is available, and it's well worth listening to. He has a very strong voice.

Anyway, yes the monks at Dionisiou are making a big deal of the Patriarch's visit. I have a friend with a permit to visit the mountain right about now. He called to arrange a visit, but even three months ago they were all booked pilgrims because of the celebrations.

Dear Alice,

That photograph is delightful - thank you for posting it. Reminds me of the West of Ireland. Our actual national pilgrimage to Croagh Padraig (Mt. St. Patrick) must be made on foot (and the truly pious interpret that to mean barefoot), because no vehicle could possibly make the ascent. However, necessary supplies are brought up the mountain on donkeys, which are far better than wheels for the purpose.

I made the climb (without benefit of donkeys) once, about 29 years ago, in my pre-arthritic days.

Fr. Serge