IMVROS – His Eminence Metropolitan Kyrillos the new Metropolitan of Imvros and Tenedos was enthroned by His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who is the first Ecumenical Patriarch born and raised in Imvros.

Patriarch Bartholomew expressed full support to newly enthroned Metropolitan Kyrillos, saying in homily, among other things, “be sure, my dear brother, that all Imvrians, and, above all, the Ecumenical Patriarch, will be by your side. We are tied to our island, the same way a fetus is connected to its mother. We share common experiences, customs and traditions, pain and sorrow, expectations and hopes. The unshakable trust in God’s providence unites us all and gives us strength.”

Patriarch Bartholomew spoke very highly of Metropolitan Kyrillos and praised his work in Smyrna where he had previously served as priest and also as Bishop of Erythres. The Ecumenical Patriarch called on the new Metropolitan, in addition to his duties of spiritual care, to also take care of the schools and the youth of the island. He also stressed that all Imvrians carried on by exemplifying human solidarity and optimism. The Patriarch added that “our homeland is calling us. We belong to our homeland. The providence of God placed us here. We are moving forward and our new Metropolitan is leading us. He will eventually become, if he is not already, an ‘Imvrian’ too.”

In his homily, Metropolitan Kyrillos called on the flock of the Metropolis to be united as a family: He said that “the doors of the Metropolis will be always open, 24 hours a day, every day, all year round. Your father and shepherd will be waiting for you in order to bring hope and more optimism.”

Finally, Metropolitan Kyrillos addressed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and said that, from now on, the islands of his Eparchy would be his only concern. He said “I am looking you straight in the eyes and I promise you here in front of everyone: Your Holiness, I will be cherishing and protecting Imvros and Tenedos. Please, make only one wish for me: to be able to love this eparchy, just like you do, and to be loved by its people.”