On Saturday, February 11, 2017, the Most Venerable Metropolitan of Constantia (Famagusta) Mr. Vassilios preceded the Divine Liturgy at the Metropolitan Church of Agios Georgios and performed the ordination of the theologian Nikolaos Papantoniou as a deacon. Several clergymen of the Diocese from other Dioceses of Cyprus as well as priests from abroad also took part.
The honorable deputies of Famagusta George Karoullas, Onoufrios Koullas, thrones commissioners of the Metropolis, the former Minister, municipal councilors of the Famagusta District and many faithful, spiritual friends and relatives of the newly ordained were present.
The sacred pulpit was adorned with dignity by the very music Protopsalt of the Metropolitan Church of Agios Grigorios Palamas, Thessaloniki, Mr. Ioannis Liakos, accompanied by members of the Thessaloniki Hymn Choir.
Addressing the deacon Nikolaos, Panierotatos expressed the joy of the local church as with the ordination of Fr. Nikolaos another member is added to the chain of the holy clergy of the Holy Metropolis of Constantia-Famagusta. Taking occasion from the gospel reading of today's feast, he reminded the new deacon of the Lord's exhortations to his twelve disciples and the work that the clergyman is called to perform by serving the Church and man, who is an image of the living God.
In his speech, the young deacon expressed his fear for this great mystery of the priesthood through the words of modern Saints and great Fathers of our Church and stressed that today is for him an event that was born in him from youthful years. He also expressed his gratitude to the people who contributed to his personal and spiritual course but also to those who attended the current joy of his ordination.
Before the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy, Panierotatos introduced Mr. Lambros Vardakis to a reader.
"We wish Fr. Nikolaos a lot of strength and support from God in his Ministry in the vineyard of the Lord and in the local Church" concludes the announcement of the Holy Metropolis of Constantia (Famagusta)
Source: SotiraNews / Holy Metropolis of Constantia (Famagusta)