At 100 Years Old, Father Konstantinos Zachos still celebrates the Divine Liturgy in Koromilia, Domokos
A special promise that he had publicly made, when he first visited the beautiful village of Koromilia of Domokos, to the then very elderly Archpriest Fr. Konstantinos Zachos, was fulfilled in the most festive and moving manner by His Eminence Metropolitan Symeon of Phthiotis.
He had promised Fr. Konstantinos longevity and that, when he reached and completed his 100th year, he himself, by way of exception and pastoral discretion, would organise a celebratory event for his centennial birthday. And the promise became reality.
At the packed Spiritual Centre of the Church of the Prophet Elijah in Koromilia of Domokos, where the 100-year-old Fr. Konstantinos still serves and celebrates the Divine Liturgy, the entire parish gathered at the invitation of Metropolitan Symeon, with the cooperation of the Parish Council, the Local Council, and the village Women’s Association.
Responding to the Metropolitan’s invitation were also the venerable Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Panagia Faneromeni of Xyniada, Archimandrite Athanasios Syros, the preacher of the Metropolis, Archimandrite Fr. Herodion Rizos, the Hierarchical Vicar of Domokos, Archpriest Fr. Georgios Voulgaris, other clergy of the region, as well as the Mayor of Domokos, Haralampos Liolios.
His Eminence spoke with deep emotion and filial reverence about the centenarian Fr. Konstantinos Zachos, stating characteristically:
“I bow before my priest, who has reached the age of 100 and continues to serve at the Holy Altar.
I bow before a venerable Levite, who with incomparable devotion and obedience continues, despite his advanced age and his retirement many years ago, to serve the sacred altar, his Bishop, and his parishioners.”
The revered elder was honoured with gifts and distinctions both by His Eminence and by his parishioners, while the Mayor of Domokos also addressed words of tribute in his honour.
Deeply moved, the 100-year-old Priest, Fr. Konstantinos Zachos expressed his gratitude to God, who has deemed him worthy, even at such an advanced age, to continue celebrating the Divine Liturgy. He thanked His Eminence Metropolitan Symeon of Phthiotis for his love and kindness and offered the following wish to his Bishop and to all the parishioners:
“May you reach my years—and live through them as well!”
At the conclusion of this beautiful celebration, the gracious elder extinguished the candles of the birthday cake, as all present sang with emotion:
“The One who blesses and sanctifies us—O Lord, preserve Father Konstantinos. Many years!”
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