Istanbul, September 2, 2022
ec-patr.org
Three saints were formally added to the calendar of saints at a ceremony presided over by Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople this week.
The Holy Synod of Constantinople earlier canonized Elder Eumenios (Saridakis) on April 15, and New Hieromartyr Ananias (Lampardes), Metropolitan of Lacedaemon and Elder Bessarion of Agathonos on June 14.
On Wednesday, the Patriarch and other Synodal hierarchs officially signed the relevant Patriarchal and Synodal Acts at the Patriarchal Church of St. George in Istanbul.
The service was attended by a number of hierarchs from Greece, Europe, and beyond, pilgrims, and representatives of Greek civil authorities.
The Patriarch spoke about the importance of saints in the life of the Church, saying:
Orthodox piety gives great respect and honor to the saints and emphasizes their Christ-like life… The faithful love the Synaxaria and the Lives of the Saints, admire their achievements and struggle for the truth, honor their holy relics, and reverently worship their icons… The saints inspire, guide, and reveal our eternal destiny in Christ. They intercede with the Lord for us. Their blessed presence is a living answer to our agonizing questions.
In connection with the Day of Environmental Protection, celebrated by the Patriarchate of Constantinople on the Ecclesiastical New Year, September 1, the Patriarch stated that “the saints are companions and allies of the faithful in the good fight to protect the integrity of creation. Their life is a practical respect for creation, in thanksgiving and praise to the Creator.
“The saints confirm that we must live in the world as stewards and priests of creation, that it’s unthinkable to profess faith in the Creator and destroy creation.”
“There was not, there is not, and we can’t imagine a Church without saints,” the Patriarch concluded.
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