The memory of Saint Paul the confessor and Archbishop of Constantinople was celebrated with great reverence in Constantinople, who is the Patron Saint of the Friends of Music Association of Pera and its music-loving members.
On Sunday afternoon, 5 November 2023, the Great Hierarchical Vespers were held with the blessing of the five loaves (artoklasia) in the beautiful marble Church of the Holy Trinity of the renowned Community of Stavrodromi.
The Festive Vespers Service was officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Andreas of Forty Churches, Hierarchical Commissioner of the Stavrodromi community, while the chanting was offered by members of the Music Association of Pera, under the direction of Archon First Domestikos of the Great Church of Christ, Musicologist, George Kioseoglou.
The Vespers were especially honoured with the presence of Their Eminences, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Myra and Metropolitan Ioakeim of Bursa, as well as His Grace Bishop Benjamin of Tralee, while on behalf on the Great Archdeacon, the Third Patriarchal Deacon Father Kallinikos (Hasapis) was also present.
After the end of the Vespers, a Trisagion (Memorial Service) was conducted for the repose of the souls of all the sacred chanters of Constantinople who had fallen asleep in centuries past, and then a reception was held in the Community premises, organised by the community of Stavrodromi.
