Metropolitan Ioannis of Zambia is very moved that the Ecumenical Patriarch chose the Metropolitan to participate in the reopening of the Sumela Monastery on August 15.
As reported by nyxthimeron.com, on Sunday, August 2, the Metropolitan of Zambia officiated the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Church of Panagia Faneromeni in Mpanatos, Zakynthos, and then made statements regarding his forthcoming participation in the feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary at Sumela Monastery in August 15, 2020.
As he stated, “I am particularly moved that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew chose me to participate on August 15 in the reopening of the Sumela Monastery. I thank him from the bottom of my heart and I will be grateful to him forever.
This invitation honors primarily the Patriarchate of Alexandria, to which I belong.
I already feel the joy of being in the land of my ancestors and, as pilgrim, of listening to the sound of their holy desires and passions. I have longed for this ‘return’ since I was a child. And yes, now the blessed hour has arrived! It will be like my ancestors returning there, especially my great-grandfather Damianos Tsaftaridis, who was a priest in Mouzamana, Trabzon, and everyone with him.”