On the first Sunday of the Triodion (Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee), His Eminence Metropolitan Amphilochios of Thira, Amorgos and the Isles, officiated at the Matins and celebrated the liturgy at the Holy Parish Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos in Emporio, Santorini.
Despite the intense concern, due to the high seismic activity of the last few days on the island, the faithful came to the Holy Church to implore the Lord “who overlooks all things on earth” for a blessed and happy outcome of the current situation. During the chanting of the Communion Hymn, His Eminence’s message on the earthquakes was read, while before the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy, a prayer was offered for the cessation of the seismic activity before the miraculous holy icon of the Virgin Mary of Jerusalem.
Metropolitan Amphilochios, addressing the faithful, recommended that, after embracing the saving humility and repentance of the sinful publican, which is a basic prerequisite for the beginning of the spiritual struggle, they should remain calm and, with absolute trust in God and the Holy Theotokos, and intensify their prayer so as to overcome the anxiety of the days.
