With due reverence and solemnity, the Divine Liturgy for the Feast of the Holy Spirit was celebrated on Monday, June 1, 2026, at the Holy Church of the Holy Trinity of Stavrodromi, which was observing its patronal feast. The service was presided over by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
The entire Board of Trustees of the Grand Community of Stavrodromi, led by its President, Archon of the Great Church of Christ, Mr. George Papaliaris, welcomed His All-Holiness, as well as the Consul General of Greece in Constantinople, Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras. Also in attendance were the full clergy of the Community of Stavrodromi, students and teachers from the two Greek minority schools, Zographeion Lyceum and Zappeion School, together with a large congregation of faithful from Constantinople and abroad.
On this joyous feast day, His All-Holiness chose to bestow upon Fr. Caesarios the Offikion of Grand Hierokeryx of the Holy Great Church of Christ, an honor that was warmly affirmed by the unanimous acclamation of the congregation with the traditional cry of “Axios!” (“He is worthy!”)
Concelebrating in prayer were His Eminence Metropolitan Joachim of Prusa and His Grace Bishop Benjamin of Tralleis.
In his welcoming address, the Ecclesiastical Head of the Community of Stavrodromi, His Eminence Metropolitan Andreas of Saranta Ekklisies, emphasized the significance of the Feast of the Holy Spirit, noting that the Descent of the Holy Spirit symbolizes the unity of the Church—a unity that finds its living expression in the person of the Ecumenical Patriarch.
The President of the Board of Trustees, Mr. George Papaliaris, then addressed the congregation, highlighting the historical significance and enduring role of the Grand Community of Stavrodromi in the centuries-long presence of the Greek Orthodox Community in Constantinople. He announced that this festive celebration also marked the official opening of the Community’s 150th anniversary commemorations, as this year marks 150 years since its establishment.
He further noted the meaningful coincidence of two important anniversaries: the 35th anniversary of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s enthronement and the 150th anniversary of the submission of the Community’s first founding statute. Concluding his remarks, he wished the students of the Greek minority schools every success in their examinations and expressed his gratitude to all those who support the work of the Board of Trustees, as well as to the faithful who participate regularly in the Community’s liturgical life.
In his response, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew reminded the faithful of the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit and of the mission of the Church and those who serve her. He also commended the ministry of the newly appointed Patriarchal Exarch of Lithuania, Bishop Panaretos of Tamassos, and informed the congregation that he would soon travel to the country's capital for the formal establishment of the Patriarchal Exarchate.
Concluding his address, His All-Holiness praised the dedicated service of Metropolitan Andreas, the clergy, the members of the Board of Trustees, and the ladies who oversee the Holy Trinity Soup Kitchen, acknowledging their valuable contribution to the Community. He also offered his paternal blessings to the students of the Greek minority schools.
Following the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy, His All-Holiness, accompanied by the President of the Community, the Metropolitan, the clergy, and the members of the Board of Trustees, proceeded to the church gallery, where, as announced by Mr. Papaliaris, a new Exhibition of the Orthodox Ecclesiastical Heritage and Tradition of the Community had been inaugurated. The exhibition features sacred vessels, liturgical vestments, icons, and ecclesiastical books that had until now been preserved in the churches of Stavrodromi.
The celebrations concluded with a reception held in the courtyard of the Holy Trinity Church, where clergy, faithful, and guests gathered in a spirit of fellowship and thanksgiving.
