February 18, 2011

The Exiled Ecumenical Patriarch Constantine Returns To Baloukli


February 18, 2011
Romfea.gr

86 years after his violent expulsion from Constantinople and 81 years after his death, the exiled Ecumenical Patriarch Constantine VI returns to his homeland, due to the efforts of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

The venerable bones will be placed in the Patriarchal Cemetery in Baloukli on Sunday 6 March 2011, by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy and Sacred Synod.

Before the departure of the remains from Athens, they will be exposed for veneration on the evening of Friday 25 February at the Church of St. Kosmas in South Philadelphia.

On Sunday 27 February a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Memorial Service will be conducted by His Eminence Metropolitan John of Pergamon, representing the Ecumenical Patriarch.

Translated by John Sanidopoulos

Constantine VI (1859 – November 28, 1930) was Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from December 17, 1924 till January 30, 1925, for 43 days. He served as a locum tenens following the death of Patriarch Gregory VII in 1924. He was exiled to Greece by the Turkish government under the Republican People's Party in 1925 and resigned the Patriarchate.

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