46th anniversary of high priestly ministry for Metropolitan Efstathios of Sparta and ordination of a Presbytertranslated

On Monday, August 31, 2026, our Church celebrated the Deposition of the Holy Belt of the Most Holy Theotokos. At the same time, it was a special day for the Holy Metropolis of Monemvasia and Sparta, since it was the 46th anniversary of the Episcopal ordination of the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Monemvasia and Sparta Mr. Efstathiou, which was held on August 31, 1980 in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens.

The devout Pastor, as usual, officiated at Orthros, blessed the breads and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the celebrated Holy Monastery of Evangelistria Ierakos. The Most Reverend Bishop of Lacedaemonia Mr. Theophilos, many clergymen of the Holy Metropolis of Monemvasia and Sparta, the brotherhood of the Monastery and several pious pilgrims joined in the holy service.

During the solemn liturgical assembly, the deacon Father Porphyrios Rougas was ordained as a Presbyter. In his ordination speech the new Elder first expressed his gratitude, emotion and fear before the greatness of the priesthood. Afterwards, he warmly thanked the venerable Pastor for his trust and paternal love, while on the occasion of the anniversary of his ordination as Bishop, the...