Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, at the end of today's Liturgy [05/10/2011], addressed the numerous pilgrims from Greece and abroad, among whom there were hundreds of Greek elementary and high school students. Speaking in memory of Patriarch Gregory V, he said the following:
"Today is a day of mourning and bitter memories, because as today, April 10, 190 years ago in 1821 it was Pascha, and outside in the courtyard of the Patriarchate, the then Patriarch Gregory V was hung. Since then every year we remember this day.
Before descending to the church today, I went, as I was indebted, and put a few flowers at the, since then, Closed Gate, the place of martyrdom of the Ecumenical Patriarch, and lit a candle asking for his blessing and prayer for this great Orthodox Monastery called the Ecumenical Patriarchate and for all of us who have the blessing of God to minister at this point in the Grand Monastery. I also asked his prayers for all Orthodox Christians throughout the world, because the prayers of such a Martyred Patriarch is certainly heard by God.
I asked his prayers for the peace of the the whole world, the stability of the Holy Churches of God and the union of all things - mankind, churches, peoples and nations of the world. This unity we particularly need now and I plead with you to also pray for the same yourselves."
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos
