On the day before Orthodox Christians throughout the world celebrate Pentecost, often referred to as “Saturday of Souls,” a special Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Church of the Annunciation in Kissamos, west of Hania.
His Beatitude Patriarch Theodoros II of Alexandria and all Africa presided over the divine liturgy.
Joining him in prayer were the other Primates and Hierarchs of the local Orthodox Churches, as well as numerous clergy and laity from the region.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, a special memorial service was offered, calling to mind the names of all those hierarchs, priests, deacons, monastics, and lay theologians and scholars from the various Orthodox Churches who selflessly labored for the realization of the Holy and Great Council.
Afterward, the Primates and their delegations traveled to Heraklion to celebrate the Great Vespers of Pentecost at the Cathedral of Saint Titus.
Upon entering the church, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the other Primates venerated the relics of Saint Titus, disciple of St. Paul and first bishop of Crete.
Bartholomew presided over the service of Great Vespers, at the conclusion of which he urged the faithful gathered to pray that the Holy Spirit may inspire and guide the work of the Holy and Great Council.
All photos from the Press Office of the Ecumenical Patriarchate by John Mindala