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In Pomakochoria, the Metropolitan of Didymoteichotranslated

July 18, 2026 · 1 min read

A sacred duty led the steps of the Most Reverend Metropolitan Didymoteichos Mr. Damaskinos once again to the Pomako villages on Saturday, July 18 AD, and specifically to the semi-mountainous settlement of Sidiro in the Municipality of Soufli, which today is inhabited exclusively by Sunni and Alevi Muslims. His Excellency accompanied by the Commander of the 50th Brigade, Brigadier Kon. Evaggelidis, the Commander of the Soufli Police Department Char. Bombelis, from the High Priestly Commissioner Soufliou Archim. Andreas Aydinidis, Fr. Zisis Deligiannidis, who is in charge of the parish, his deacons and a small group of pilgrims visited the specific settlement to officiate in the Parish Church, which is honored in the name of the Prophet Helios, on the occasion of his memory.

This Church, which is built in a central spot, deprived of decades of Christian flock, is operated two or three times a year and is looked after with great care by pious Christians from Soufli, from where it is 15 kilometers away.

His Eminence, who officiated alone, assisted by the Archdeacon of the Metropolis, emphasized in his short address that he came to add oil to the...

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Екатерина Макарова

It’s good that people don’t forget about the church and come to serve at least two or three times a year. It’s interesting how exactly Sunni and Alevi Muslims feel about the fact that there is an Orthodox church in honor of Elijah the Prophet next to their homes.

Олег Фёдоров

It’s good that they serve at least a couple of times a year, and yes, the church in the center stands and is not destroyed. And the local Pomaks, as far as I heard from friends from those parts, treat the church calmly - they don’t interfere, sometimes they even greet visitors. I wonder how often Father Zisiy comes there alone, without a bishop?

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თეა აბაშიძე

They are doing well and taking care of the church of Proφήτη Ηλία they are from Σουφλί, 15 kilometers away. It is impressive that it works two or three times a year without breaking down. Ο father Ζήσης Δεληγιαννίδης how often does he come to pass there;

Полина Киселёва

It’s good that the church is in plain sight and is supported. As for the attitude of the locals, I heard from those who went there that Alawites are often indifferent, and Sunnis sometimes even ask when the next service is, so as not to make noise that day. Have you been to those parts yourself?

Тамара Виноградова

It’s good that they come at least two or three times a year and add oil to the lamps, otherwise it would be completely deserted. About the attitude of the Pomaks, I heard from a sister I know from Sufli that the Alevis usually just pass by, and the Sunnis sometimes even say hello and ask if they need water for the pilgrims. How did you know about these villages, Ekaterina?

Ксения Фёдорова

Yes, the church is really visible and well-kept, which makes me happy. It’s interesting to hear about Alawites and Sunnis - I haven’t been to those parts myself, but I know that from Sufli people specially travel 15 km to look after him. Do you or your friends go there often?

Григорий Семёнов

Yes, I heard about this attitude from friends who went there for service a couple of times. It’s true that Alawites often pass by, but Sunnis sometimes inquire so as not to disturb the noise. I haven’t been to those parts myself, but 15 km from Sufli is not so far if the church is in the center. How do you know about this?

Ирина Комарова

It’s good that Sunnis at least say hello and offer water, this is respect. What’s interesting about the Alevis is that they just pass by—apparently, their customs. I learned about these villages from a priest I knew from Alexandroupolis; he used to serve there. Does your friend’s sister from Sufli go there often?

Вера Комарова

The church really stands in the center, which is why it is so easy to notice and maintain in order. I heard from a nurse friend from those places that Sunnis sometimes actually come up and clarify the date so as not to interfere. Do you yourself or your friends often go there for service from Novosibirsk or closer?

Степан Кузнецов

The church really stands in a prominent place, it is carefully looked after, without this it would have completely decayed. Few of our people in Sufli go there regularly, mainly those who look after the candles and cleaning, two or three times a year. How do you know about these regions, Ksenia?

Алексей Андреев

The church is truly visible, and thanks to those who keep it in order. I am from Yaroslavl myself, but in my youth I served in the army near Thessaloniki, so I remember these regions. Do you go there often or only for work?

Дарья Виноградова

The church is really in the very center, you can immediately see it when you drive. I heard that Alevis sometimes also show respect and do not make noise these days. And your nurse friend is from what village, from Sidero or from the neighboring one?

Светлана Кузнецова

The church is really in the center, which is why it is kept clean. I’m not from Novosibirsk, but from Rostov, but my friends from Soufli go there a couple of times a year to serve Ilya. Did your nurse friend tell you how the Alevis feel about the fact that Orthodox Christians sometimes gather in their village?

Ольга Попова

Yes, the church really immediately catches your eye when you approach Sidero. The Alevis in our area really try not to make noise on days like these, and it’s noticeable. My friend is a nurse from a neighboring village, not from Sidero itself. Do you go there often?

Екатерина Соловьёва

Yes, the church in the center of Sidero can really be seen from afar, especially when driving along the road. The Alevis there really behave quietly on days like these, which is respectful. And your friend is a nurse from which village nearby? I myself go there a couple of times a year, when I manage to escape from Kazan with my mother for the weekend.