Visit of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Sidirokastro and Akritochori, June 4, 1999

ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ

On June 4, 1999, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, accompanied by the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Christodoulos, paid an official visit to Sidirokastro. This visit was part of a series of tours, which began with their visit to Serres on 3 June. In Sidirokastro they were welcomed at noon, with special honor by the Metropolitan of Sidirokastro Ioannis as well as the local authorities of the city, followed by a eulogy at the Holy Monastery of Saints Kirykos and Ioulitis.

On the same day in the afternoon, Mr. Bartholomeos will visit the Holy Sanctuary of the Holy Forerunner of Akritochorio

During their visit to Akritochori, Patriarch Bartholomew laid the foundation stone of the temple in the Monastery's precinct, marking the start of the construction of this important religious building.

The Ecumenical Patriarchate had issued the following announcement about the visit

Friday June 4, 1999

THE ECCLESIASTICAL PATRIARCH

IN NEUROKOPI AND SERRES

 Serres is visited today by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who continues his tour of metropolises of Northern Greece. In the morning, the Primate of Orthodoxy visited the "Maximeo Spiritual and Cultural Center", the old metropolis of Serres, the Byzantine church of Agioi Theodoros and the monastery of the Holy Forerunner.

 At noon the Ecumenical Patriarch is expected at Sidirokastro. A doxology will follow at the Holy Monastery of Saints Kirykos and Ioulitis, while in the afternoon Mr. Bartholomeos will visit the Holy Sanctuary of the Holy Forerunner of Akritohori where he will spend the night. Tomorrow he will continue his tour in Kilkis.