Patr. Bartholomew, Abp. John Celebrate Dormition on Imbros

IMBROS, TURKEY — The Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos was celebrated with deep devotion and joy on the Aegean island of Imbros, where Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew gathered with Orthodox faithful for a festive observance in his homeland.

Patr. Bartholomew concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with Abp. John of Albania at the historic Church of the Assumption in the mountain village of Agridia. The celebration brought together clergy, local residents, pilgrims, representatives of Imbros communities, and friends of the island for a memorable feast honoring the Mother of God.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the faithful participated in a procession carrying the holy icon of the Theotokos through the picturesque village streets. The celebration continued in the village square with a traditional Imvriot feast, where young people sang and danced in honor of the Patriarch and the pilgrims who had gathered for the occasion.

The festivities continued later with the post-feast Vespers at the Church of the Assumption in Glyki, led by Abp. John and attended by Patr. Bartholomew. The previous evening, the Patriarch had presided over vespers in his own village of Agioi Theodoroi, where he spoke movingly to his fellow Imbriots.

The celebrations offered a joyful expression of Orthodox faith, devotion to the Theotokos, and the enduring bonds connecting the Patriarch with his native island.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Bartholomew marked 1,400 years since the Akathist Hymn was first sung.