THE FEAST OF ST THEKLA THE PROTOMARTYR AT THE PATRIARCHATE (2016)
On Friday the 24th of September/7th of October 2016, the feast of St Thekla the Protomarty and Equal to the Apostles was celebrated by the Patriarchate at the chapel dedicated to her name, to the west of the monastic Church of Sts Constantine and Helen.
The Church honours St Thekla, who hailed from Ikonion, Asia Minor, and was taught the faith in Christ by Paul, the Apostle of the Nations. Having preached Christ and suffering for Him, St Thekla is commemorated as a protomartyr and equal to the apostles. She passed away in her homeland at the age of ninety.
Vespers was held in the evening, followed by divine Liturgy on the morning, led by His Beatitude Theophilos, Patriarch of Jerusalem. In attendance were Hagiotaphite Fathers and Prelates. Archimandrite Nektarios officiated, having as co-officiants other Hagiotaphites. Archimandrite Eusebius sang for monks, nuns and local faithful from the Greek Parish.
Kollyva and rusks were distributed after Vespers in the open-air area outside the chapel. Reception followed after the divine Liturgy at the Church Board’s Hall.
From the Secretariat-General
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