In a spirit of joy and unity, the festive gathering of the faithful of the Holy Metropolis of Derkoi was held for the second consecutive year, with the contribution of four of the five Community Administrative Committees, on Saturday, 18 April, in the courtyard of the Metropolitan Church of Saint Paraskevi in Therapia.
The event took place in an atmosphere of Paschal rejoicing, with His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi addressing a Paschal greeting to those present, emphasising the message of shared joy and the unity of the Church: “Our Church… calls us without distinction… to enter together into the same joy… where love abounds and no one remains alone or a stranger.”
He placed particular emphasis on the importance of the gathering as a living expression of ecclesial communion, noting that it constitutes “a testimony of unity and fraternity,” and expressed the hope that this initiative would become an established institution strengthening the bonds among the communities of the Metropolis.
His Eminence warmly thanked all those who contributed to the realisation of the event, making special mention of the Administrative Committees of the Communities of Saint Stephanos, Vathyrriakos, Nea Synoikia, and Therapia; the Athens-based Association of Makrochorians “To Ebdomon of Byzantium” and its president Alexandros Agrafiadis; and Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos for the offering of lambs and their willingness to support the work of the Metropolis of Derkoi.
He also expressed gratitude to the Philoptochos Association of Makrochori, the parents of the children of the Sunday School programme, the members of the women’s choir “Daphnes,” and all those who contributed food and refreshments. In particular, he thanked the choir of the Holy Metropolis, “Daphnes,” and its conductor, Mrs Sophia Neochoritou, together with the musicians, for their beautiful presence and artistic contribution which adorned the gathering.
Regarding the Administrative Committee of the Community of Makrochori, he prayed that the Risen Lord would enlighten them so as to recognise their responsibility to support the work of the Metropolis, while noting that many Makrochorians were present, demonstrating their love and support.
Significant support was also provided by the Administration of the Baloukli Hospitals, the Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality (İstanbul Büyükşehir Belediyesi)—specifically its Directorate of Relations with Religious Institutions and Communities—for the provision of buses, and the Sarıyer Municipality for providing seating arrangements.
The event was made possible through the voluntary and selfless offering of all contributors. The parishioners of the Holy Metropolis of Derkoi actively participated in the preparations and worked with eagerness and a spirit of service for its success. The gathering concluded in an atmosphere of warm joy and fraternity, leaving the best impressions on all.
