In a devout atmosphere, at the Holy Seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Celebration of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross was held.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided during the Divine Liturgy, which was held today, Saturday, September 14, assisted by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Myra, Theoleptos of Iconium, Stephanos of Kallioupolis and Madytos, Athenagora of Kydonies, and Bartholomew of Smyrna.
The Sacred Service was held by the Arch-secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod, Archimandrite Ioakeim along with the Sub-secretary Deacon Gregorios.
After the service for the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew distributed flowers and basil to the Archpriests, the clerics and the Chief Officiales (Judicial Vicars), who came to venerate, while after the Service Bartholomew gave basil to the faithful as well.
There attended clerics, Chief officiales, those participating in the Conference organized by the Department of Theology of the Theological School of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, and the Halki Seminary, and was concluded yesterday, a crowd of faithful from Constantinople and abroad.
Yesterday, on the eve of the Feast, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew officiated the Vesper held at St. Nicholas Church of Top Kapi.
Today, in the afternoon, Ecumenical Patriarch shall depart to Athens, from where tomorrow he will fly to Rome.
