On Tuesday, 12 December 2023, at the celebrating Holy Patriarchal Skete of Saint Spyridon in Halki, which is cared for by the Holy Theological School of Halki, on the feast day of Saint Spyridon, Bishop of Trimythous and wonderworker, the feast day Matins and Divine Liturgy took place, officiated by the Commissioner of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi. After the Divine Liturgy the five loaves (artoklasia) were blessed and the Koliva prepared in memory of Saint Spyridon, while the Patriarchal Commissioner Metropolitan Apostolos conducted a memorial service (Trisagion) for the repose of the soul of the Later Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Spyridon, who was a graduate of the Theological School of Halki, as well as for the founder of the Holy Skete, Monk Arsenios.
The Abbot of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, His Grace Bishop Kassianos of Aravissos, during his short address, welcomed Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi with warm words, referring also to the history of Skete and the celebrated Saint Spyridon. Finally, words of spiritual edification reflecting on the life of Saint Spyridon were addressed to the large congregation by the Patriarchal Commissioner, Metropolitan Apostolos in both in Greek and Turkish.
This was followed by a reception at the Skete and a feast day meal at the Theological School of Halki, blessed by His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi.
On the evening of the previous day, Monday, 11 December 2023, the feast day Vespers of Saint Spyridon were held, in which the Abbot, His Grace Bishop Kassianos of Aravissos officiated.
