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Your Eminences,
Your Excellencies,
Honourable Consuls General,
Esteemed Representatives of Diplomatic Missions,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Dear friends,
Following a break of two years because of the pandemic and other challenges, it is with much joy and happiness that we welcome every one of you here this evening to celebrate the Throne Feast of our Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Feast of Saint Andrew the First-Called of Christ’s Apostles, the founder of the Holy and Great Church of our City. This annual feast grants us an opportunity to get together, reflect on all the blessings and experiences of the previous year, and look forward with optimism to endeavours and projects in the near future.
As every year, we are most pleased to welcome the Official Delegation of our beloved Brother Pope Francis and our Sister Church of Senior Rome, led by the Apostolic Nuncio to Türkiye, His Excellency Archbishop Marek Solczynski. This continued practice of exchanging delegations to our respective Throne Feasts is important, considering the thirst for solidarity in a world that is still, regretfully, deeply divided.
Relatedly, we are also most pleased to greet the leaders and representatives of various religious leaders here in our country. Their presence this evening exemplifies the religious and cultural plurality that still exists in this magnificent City and country. Indeed, we believe that our strength is in our diversity while all being proud citizens of our Republic.
Furthermore, we welcome all the representatives of the local authorities and municipalities, the Consuls General and other diplomatic personnel of various countries, other local leaders of commerce, industry, and culture, and friends from far and wide who grace us with their presence this evening.
As you all realize, this year’s celebrations occur during a difficult time for the region and the world as we constantly follow what our spiritual children in Ukraine continue to endure. We encourage you not to forget these courageous people as the cold winter approaches and are confident that the Lord will not forget them.
In light of the above and thanking you once again for your presence this evening and constant and appreciated support of our Venerable Institution, we remind you that our Patriarchate is your home and its gates are always open to you all. Therefore, hoping that you enjoy the evening, we wish that, through the intercessions of the Holy Apostle Andrew, God will bless you all and grant us peace.
Thank you!