On Sunday, 10 December 2023, at the chapel of the Theological School of Halki, the Resurrection Matins and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy took place, presided over by the Abbot of the Holy Monastery of the Holy Trinity, His Grace Bishop Kassianos of Aravissos, during which the ordination to the diaconate of the new clergyman of the School, Mr. Averkios Agoris, took place, while His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was present in prayer in the holy altar and after the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, handed out the antidoron to the faithful who had gathered for the joyous occasion.
Present also for the ordination was His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Myra, treasurer of the School Ephorate, on behalf of the Ephorate of the School, the parents and relatives of Father Averkios, as well as faithful from the Princes’ Islands.
During the admonition address before the ordination, the Abbot of the Monastery, addressing the new deacon, spoke with regards to the responsibility of the priesthood, while he gave him advice and words to ponder during his course as a cleric of the Mother Church.
During the subsequent reception in the Great Synodiko Hall of the School, the new deacon expressed his profound gratitude to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the Abbot, His Grace Bishop Kassianos of Aravissos, but also his awe and emotion for his entry into the ranks of the holy clergy, and his ministry at the Theological School of Halki which is just beginning.
In closing, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew referred to the history of the Theological School and the frequent ordinations of students during the years of its operation, whereas, inspired by the gospel passage of the day, he advised Deacon Averkios not to remain attached to the letter of the law, which by way of consequence kills the person, but rather to remain attached to the spirit that gives him life and paternally wished him a fruitful ministry.
This was followed by a celebratory meal for all those who attended the ordination.
During the previous evening, before the Resurrection Vespers, the monastic tonsure of the new clergyman took place.
