Born in Gökçeada, Patriarch Bartholomeos I, the Greek Patriarch of Istanbul, celebrated the “Ascension of the Virgin Mary” feast with a ritual at the Church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary in the village of Zeytinli, Gökçeada.
His Beatitude the Patriarch was accompanied by the Metropolitan of Gökçeada and Bozcaada, Kyrillos-Kirilyos. Metropolitan Kyrillos-Kirilyos- was blessed and enthroned by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in the Church of the Ascension of the Virgin Mary in July in Gökçeada.
‘The Ascension of the Virgin Mary was also celebrated in Iskenderun Orthodox Church
The “Ascension of the Virgin Mary” Day was celebrated with a ritual held at the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Iskenderun. Church Father Dimitri Yıldırım directed the sacred ritual.
Due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) epidemic, the ritual washeld in accordance with the rules and Orthodox citizens of Iskenderun showed interest in the ritual.
Speaking at the ceremony, Father Dimitri Yıldırım celebrated the feast of all members of the congregation, especially those bearing the name of the Virgin Mary. Pointing out that today is a special day, Peder Yıldırım said: “This feast, which we celebrate as the ascension of our Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus Christ, is one of our important holidays. With her lifestyle and modesty, Virgin Mary is a very important name for us. The holiday we celebrate today is the festival of our Virgin Mary’s ascension. Like Him, we must show our loyalty to God and receive our reward. May this holiday bring us peace, tranquility and happiness just like other holidays!”
During the Sacred Mass candles were lit and prayers were prayed, and it ended after the bread and wine were blessed and distributed to those who attended the ritual.
