Latakia, Syria, May 29, 2024
Photo: antiochpatriarchate.org
Over the weekend, His Beatitude Patriarch John X of Antioch consecrated a church that was rebuilt after the devastating earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria last year.
The Cathedral of St. George in Latakia, Syria, was festively consecrated and inaugurated on Sunday, May 26.
It is a day of joy and hope. It is the Day of Resurrection, which was revealed in its most beautiful form, after the devastating earthquake that struck humans and stones in the year 2023. But here is the Cathedral of Saint George reborn, inaugurated, and consecrated by His Beatitude Patriarch John X in the event of his visit pastoral visit to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Latakia and dependencies.
Photo: Facebook
Pat. John was greeted by a crowd of clergy and faithful as he entered the cathedral, which he then consecrated together with 14 other hierarchs and a host of clerics.
His Beatitude delivered a homily in which he said:
Today is a day of great joy because we performed the cathedral dedication Liturgy together with the shepherd of the Archdiocese, Bishop Athanasios, the bishops, the fathers, the priests, and the faithful people.
As for the consecration service, it consists in placing the relics of saints and martyrs inside the holy altar, to pray before them, and ask for their intercession.
My beloved ones, the true altar is the human being, because one abandons the old man, adopts the Lord Jesus Christ, and imitates Him, for He has redeemed us with his precious blood. And you should know, beloved ones, that for us, the consecration of the church is similar to the service of Baptism.
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