St. Polycarp Feast of the İzmir Catholic Church, celebrated every year on February 23, was celebrated this year in St. John’s Cathedral due to the ongoing restoration of St. Polycarp Church.
Previously, in honor of St. Polycarp, the Protector of Izmir, a 9-day Prayer (Novena) period was held in St. John’s Cathedral every evening, starting from February 14, in preparation for the holiday.
The Magnificent Divine Liturgy of the Feast of St. Polycarp was conducted by Monsignor Ilgıt; In addition to the Archbishop of Izmir, Monsignor Martin Kmetec, the Greek Orthodox Metropolitan of Izmir, Monsignor Bartholomew Samaras, the Priest of the Izmir Anglican Church, James Buxton, and several priests from Slovenia, priests from different churches of the Izmir Archdiocese participated in this special liturgy accompanied by a large congregation.
In his short opening speech, Monsignor Martin warmly greeted his various guests and expressed that he was very happy to host Msgr. Antuan through this meeting.
After reading the Words from the Book of Wisdom and the Words from the Book of Apocalypse, Father Adrian Baciu read the Words from the Gospel of St. John.
Omar Mario Servisoğlu with his organ playing and Cathedral attendant Mesut Kalaycı with his hymns, brought joy to this magnificent Mass.
A piece of St. Polycarp’s skull was presented for veneration both during the Novena and during the entire Feast Mass.
After the Feast Mass, refreshments were served to the congregation in the garden of the Cathedral.
(Nathalie Ritzmann, Sat-7 TÜRK – Izmir)
