In Elder Ordination of the Archdeacon of I.M. Aetolia and Acarnaniatranslated

Today, Saturday October 24, 2026, in an atmosphere of special spiritual joy and emotion, the Mass of the Orthrus and the High Priestly Divine Liturgy were held in the Holy Metropolitan Church of Zoodochos Pigi Agrini, presided over by the Reverend Metropolitan of Aetolia and Acarnania Mr. Damascenes. During the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence ordained the Archdeacon of the Holy Metropolis, Fr. Dimitrios Lagoudis, as Elder. A multitude of Clergy participated, led by the Protosygellus, Archim. Theoklitos Rapti and a crowd of believers, including the family, relatives and friends of the new Elder.

In his ordination speech, the new Elder expressed his deep emotion, awe and gratitude to God for the great gift of the Priesthood, emphasizing that his elevation to the second degree of the Priesthood is not a simple promotion, but a shocking call to self-sacrifice, ministry and spiritual fatherhood.

He referred to the high and holy office of the Priesthood, characterizing it as a bridge that unites earth with heaven and as a Mystery, through which man becomes a minister of Divine Grace and steward of the Mysteries of God.