With all solemnity and devotion, Palm Sunday was celebrated in the Sacred Cathedral of the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the Phanar. The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew celebrated the Divine Liturgy, which was attended by the Metropolitans Panteleimon of Vryoula, Chrysostomos of Myra, Theoloptos of Iconium, Metropolitan Stephanos of Kallioupolis and Madytos, Elpidophoros of Boursa and Athenagoras of Kydonia.
The ecclesiastics Konstantinos, Geron of Nikaia; Bishop Makarios of Christopolis; the Consul of Greece in Istanbul, Georgios Gaitanis; the Consul General of Ukraine, Oleksandr Gaman; official Archons of the Holy and Great Church of Christ; school pupils with their teachers from Thessaloniki, and a multitude of pilgrims.
His All-Holiness welcomed all of them with fatherly words, especially the students, and he wished all a beautiful Holy Week, a joyful Resurrection and a glorious Pascha. In accord with tradition, the Patriarch offered palms and spring flowers to all those who were congregated.
Immediately after, in the courtyard of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, pupils from the 7th Lyceum of Thessaloniki sang traditional songs to the Ecumenical Patriarch.
In the afternoon, the Patriarch will preside at the Bridegroom Service.
