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High Priestly Divine Liturgy - Memorial Mass of Blessed Metropolitan Panteleimon II (Chrysofakis)translated

July 9, 2026 · 1 min read

On the morning of Thursday, July 9, His Holiness the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki, Mr. Filotheos, officiated at the Pilgrimage Church of Agios Dimitrios the Patron Saint. Clergy from the Holy Archdiocese of America, from other Holy Metropolises and from our Metropolis collaborated with His Holiness. The Divine Liturgy was held on the 23rd anniversary of the death of the late Metropolitan of Thessaloniki Mr. Panteleimonos II (Chrysofakis).

The Most Reverend Metropolitan of Velestinos, Mr. Damaskinos, was present at the Holy Altar praying with him.

The divine word was preached by Fr. Fotios Zarzavatsakis, General Hierarchal Commissioner of our Diocese, who referred to today's Gospel passage, as well as to the person of the sleeping Hierarch. Father Fotios was one of the closest collaborators of the blessed Metropolitan Mr. Panteleimonos.

Before the dismissal, a High Priestly Memorial Service was held on the grave of the late Hierarch. The Memorial Mass was performed by the Pastor Mr. Philotheos and successor of the late High Priest, while the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Velestinos Mr. Damascenes, many clergymen and the pious people who came to pray for the repose of the soul participated...

Source: Orthodoxia News Agency · Read the full story →

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💬 Comments (11) 🌐 Show original

Богдан Коваленко

It is good that Bishop Panteleimon is remembered. Father Fotius, as his close colleague, very appropriately spoke about the Gospel and himself. May the Lord rest his soul.

Ilie Ionescu

It's good that this job was done at St. Dimitrie, exactly at 23 years old. Father Fotie spoke from his heart, as one who knew Metropolitan Panteleimon up close. May the Lord rest him.

Мария Волкова

It is good that Bishop Panteleimon is remembered precisely in the Church of St. Demetrius, where he served for so many years. Father Photius, as his closest collaborator, knew exactly what to talk about - both about the Gospel and about the Metropolitan himself. May God rest his soul.

Jelena Pavlović

It is good that they served in the church of St. Dimitri, where Bishop Panteleimon was for so many years. Father Photija, as his closest collaborator, beautifully connected the Gospel pericope and the metropolitan himself. Rest in peace, Lord, his soul.

Алексей Семёнов

It’s good that it’s there, at St. Demetrius, where he stood at the throne for so many years. Father Photius really knew him best of all, so the word came out lively, without general phrases. Rest in peace, Lord.

Ana Stanković

I agree, it's really nice that they served at Saint Dimitri, where Bishop Panteleimon spent so many years. Father Photius connected the Gospel pericope really well with his life, as someone who knew him well. Rest in peace, Lord, his soul.

Богдан Гончар

Yes, the memory of Bishop Panteleimon lingers on, especially when Father Photius speaks - he really knew him inside out. Here in Odesa, we also sometimes remember such bishops at memorial services, and we always feel that this is not just a formality. May the Lord grant him eternal memory.

Stefan Popović

I agree, it is very good that Father Photius, who knew him so well, preached that sermon. It is always interesting to me how such people are remembered precisely by how they served in a particular church for years. Rest in peace, Lord, his soul.

Vuk Marković

I agree, Photius was really with him for years, so he could say what is normally kept silent. I always remembered how Panteleimon stayed for a long time after the Liturgy in St. Dimitri to talk to the people, he was not in a hurry. Rest in peace, Lord, his soul.

Vladimir Ilić

I agree, Vul, and I saw him a couple of times standing in front of the church after the service and talking to grandmothers and children, as if he had time for everyone. Photius said it well because he was there. Rest in peace, Lord, his soul.

Jelena Marković

I agree, Vul, and I saw him a couple of times after the Liturgy in St. Dimitri standing with the people and listening to them as if there was nothing more important. Photius could say that because he was with him every day. Rest in peace, Lord, his soul.