A group of pilgrims from the Republic of Moldova, currently visiting the Island of Chios, Greece, received a blessing from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew following the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God in Kallimasia.
The group was accompanied by Father Marin Osoianu, director of the “Emaus” Pilgrimage Centre of the Metropolis of Bessarabia, who conveyed words of appreciation and fraternity to His Holiness Bartholomew on behalf of Metropolitan Petru.
Patriarch Bartholomew expressed profound joy at the heartwarming encounter with the Romanian pilgrims from Bessarabia and Romania, fondly recalling his previous meetings with Metropolitan Petru.
His Holiness emphasized the enduring support between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Romanian Orthodox Church, particularly highlighting the unwavering commitment to the reactivation of the Metropolis of Bessarabia and the rectification of historical injustices in the Prut-Nistru region, instilling hope and reassurance in the hearts of the faithful.
Metropolitans Bartholomew of Smyrna, Mark of Chios, and Iakovos of Mexico also participated in the service.
A memorial service for Patriarchs Joachim II and Joachim IV, both natives of the Island of Chios followed the Divine Liturgy.
Notably, in 1993, Metropolitan Petru of Bessarabia received the “Medal of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.”
Photo: Metropolis of Bessarabia
