Didymoteichos Damascenes: "On the condition you are transformed..."translated

On the feast of the Transfiguration of the Savior, the Most Reverend Metropolitan of Didymoteicho, Orestia and Soufli, Mr. Damascenes, visited two celebratory parishes in his akritic province: on the Greek-Turkish border, that of Marasia, at the confluence of the river Arda with the Evros, and in Greek-Bulgarian, that of Megalo Dereion in Pomakochoria. His Eminence visited these parishes to support their few Christians, as unfortunately their population is shrinking day by day, with the result that the one of Marasia has 50 permanent residents and the one of Megalo Dereion only 5 Christians, among an overwhelming Muslim majority.

In the evening, His Eminence officiated at the Great Vesper service at the celebratory Holy Parish Church of Marasia and blessed the breads, in the presence of the Commander of the XVI Division of Didymoteichos, Lt. Gen. Pand. Vassiliadis, of the Commander of the 21st Military Command, colonel George. Zachos, of the vice-mayors of Orestias Man. Hatzipanagiotou, Ev. Braikoudi and Mar. Manavi and the participation of a large congregation.

Preaching the divine word, His Holiness referred to the events and the message...