Acre, July 26, 2025
In a solemn ecclesiastical celebration imbued with divine grace, the installation of His Eminence Metropolitan Makarios as Metropolitan of Ptolemais and All the District was held yesterday in the city of Acre. The Liturgy was presided over by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem, with the participation of esteemed metropolitans and clergy, as well as prominent dignitaries, including the ambassadors of Greece, Russia, and Serbia, alongside clergy from various Christian denominations and a large gathering of Orthodox faithful.
His Beatitude addressed Metropolitan Makarios with words infused with Gospel grace and spiritual depth, saying: “May your ministry of shepherding become a living icon of Christ the Good Shepherd—He who knows His flock and is known by them. The episcopate is a sacred vocation of humility, a ceaseless labor of love, and a daily offering for the salvation and healing of souls entrusted to your care.”
H.B. also invoked the words of the Apostle Peter, quoting: “Tend the flock of God that is in your charge… being examples to the flock” (1 Peter 5:2–3), affirming that a bishop is called to be a beacon of light in times overshadowed by darkness, and a voice that awakens consciences to truth and love.
In a profoundly spiritual moment, His Beatitude handed the pastoral staff to the new Metropolitan—a symbolic gesture marking the transmission of the episcopal grace. Metropolitan Makarios, in turn, reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to walk the path of the Gospel and dedicate his life to the service of souls, echoing the words of the Psalmist:
“The Lord is my strength and my shield, my refuge and the upholder of my life.”
The ceremony concluded with a fraternal reception at the monastery’s hall, where heartfelt congratulations were exchanged, and thanks were raised to God for this blessed occasion.
