Strovolos, Cyprus, February 12, 2018
Photo: churchofcyprus.org.cy His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America was ceremoniously awarded the Gold Medal of the Apostle Barnabas by the Holy Synod of the Church of Cyprus at the Church of Agia Sophia in Strovolos yesterday, reports the site of the Church of Cyprus.
The day began with a hierarchical Divine Liturgy which was also attended by His Eminence Metropolitan Savvas of Pittsburgh, the members of the Holy Synod of Cyprus, and a number of clergymen.
Abp. Demetrios thanked Abp. Chrysostomos for the invitation, noting that he traveled to Cyprus with great joy and that he always supports the Cypriot Church and people during their troubles. In his response, Abp. Chrysostomos noted that the Church of Cyprus honors those who have given their lives to Orthodoxy, highlighting Abp. Demetrios’ 50 years of episcopal ministry.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Apostle Barnabas award ceremony was held at the central offices of the Holy Archdiocese of Cyprus. The event was also attended by the president of Cyprus, the minister of education, the attorney general, the heads of the National Guard and Cyprus police, and many other public officials, clergy, and laity.
Abp. Demetrios, clearly moved, expressed his deep gratitude for the honor bestowed upon him. In his speech, Abp. Chrysostomos praised Abp. Demetrios’ long-term ministry in the realm of the Church and education. The day continued with an evening reception.
Abp. Demetrios arrived to Cyprus on Friday evening. He was greeted at the airport by Abp. Chrysostomos. The next day, the two archbishops traveled to Limassol to visit Metropolitan Athanasios of Limassol, with whom they discussed the presence of many Cypriot emigrants in America and the Greek Archdiocese’s spiritual care for them.
His Eminence Abp. Demetrios will remain in Cyprus until Wednesday.
