Kastoria Holy Metropolis honors diaspora members

The Holy Metropolis of Kastoria held a series of religious and commemorative events on Sunday, August 16, to honor the Kastorian diaspora. The celebrations aimed to strengthen the ties between those living abroad and their ancestral homeland.

The proceedings began with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy at the Holy Metropolitan Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God, led by Metropolitan Kallinikos of Kastoria. During his sermon, the Metropolitan emphasized the Christian principles of forgiveness, repentance, and love. He also reflected on the relationship between humanity and Christ through the Virgin Mary.

Following the liturgy, a memorial service was held for benefactors and deceased members of the diaspora, followed by an Artoklasia prayer for the health of all expatriates and their families. A highlight of the event was the recognition of two prominent members of the diaspora: Paul Afkos, honored for his work in Australia, and Athanasios Gimumtzinas, recognized for his contributions in Canada and his efforts in preserving the Byzantine churches of Kastoria. Both recipients were presented with the Cross of the Holy Metropolis, letters of merit, and icons.