On Sunday, August 31, 2025, the Church celebrated the Feast of the Deposition of the Holy Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos. Simultaneously, the Holy Metropolis of Monemvasia and Sparta marked the 45th anniversary of the episcopal ordination of our esteemed Metropolitan, Mr. Efstathios, which took place on August 31, 1980, at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens.
As has been customary over the years, our venerable Shepherd presided over the Orthros service, blessed the loaves, and conducted the Divine Liturgy at the celebrating Holy Monastery of Evangelistria in Ierakas. The sacred service was attended by the Most Reverend Bishop of Lakedaimonia, Mr. Theophilos, clergy from our Holy Metropolis, the monastery’s brotherhood, and numerous devout pilgrims.
During the service, the Assistant Bishop of our Metropolis, Mr. Theophilos, delivered a spiritually uplifting message to the congregation. He began by analyzing the Gospel reading of the day and then spoke on behalf of the entire clergy and the faithful of our local Church about the multifaceted personality, sacrificial love, wise words, humble and honorable life, and diverse work of our esteemed Shepherd, who is considered a «gem» for the Church of Greece.
In conclusion, he prayed that the All-Good God, through the intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos, grants our esteemed Metropolitan health, longevity, and enlightenment, so he may continue to be the «lamp that shines in the darkness» and guide the flock of our Holy Metropolis with wisdom.
Wrapping up the liturgical gathering, our esteemed Metropolitan first expressed gratitude to the All-Good God for granting him a long earthly life, but primarily for allowing and strengthening all the good that has been accomplished in our local Church during his episcopate. He then thanked the Most Reverend Bishop of Lakedaimonia for his heartfelt words of love, the clergy, the Abbess of the Monastery, the entire brotherhood, and the devout Christians who prayed alongside him, wishing to convey their best wishes in person, as well as every faithful member of our Holy Metropolis for their respect, love, and support.
Subsequently, our esteemed Shepherd ordained Father Nikolaos Apostolakis, the priest of Reicheas and Lambokambos, as an Economos, wishing him to continue his ministry seamlessly, guided by faith in God, sacrificial love for others, repentance, forgiveness, and humility.
The sacred service concluded with the procession around the Katholikon, featuring the Holy Icon and the Holy Relics preserved in the Monastery. Following this, a joyful atmosphere prevailed as the monastery’s brotherhood offered the traditional monastic treat to all attendees.
This information reflects the events as of the original publication date of September 2, 2025, and may not encompass current developments.
