Five epitaphs from historical temples of Thessaloniki they met for the first time in Aristotelous Square. Thousands of people from every corner of the city hastened to the five parishes and followed the same number of processions carrying the epitaphs, singing the praises.
Women with purple headscarves sprinkled rose petals on the epitaphs, while in Aristotelous square, priests, singers and the human river of the faithful sang “Ai Geneai Passai”, following the urging of Metropolitan Mr. Philotheu.
In his message o Metropolitan of Thessaloniki referred both to the fact of the historical meeting of the five epitaphs, and to its semiology Aristotelous Square with indirect reference to the incident of the homophobic attack that took place there on March 9.
“This blessed gathering is for the worship of the one true God. And it happens here, in Aristotelous Square and the street of the same name, where not long ago it was overwhelmed by violence“, said Mr. Filotheos and added that “Christ has absolutely nothing to do with violence“, rather than speaking through his crucifixion, martyrdom and death “for calmness, for peace, for unity”.
“Christ stretched out his hands on the cross and united God with man, but also us, the people among us”, continued Mr. Philotheos, calling on the faithful to walk in unity, noting that when we are in unity and settlement, then we can hope to be led into true life.
“We are all children of God and brothers among ourselves and only with love can we exist”, concluded the Metropolitan of Thessaloniki in his message.
The mayor of Thessaloniki, Stelios Angeloudis, he said that Aristotelous Square was “filled with excitement and emotion” and emphasized that Thessaloniki sent its own message for Easter.
The “Great Meeting of Epitaphs” was one initiative of the Holy Metropolis of Thessaloniki in the context of the liturgical events, on Good Friday, the peak day of the divine drama, which took place in collaboration with the Municipality of Thessaloniki.
Epitaphs from the Metropolitan Church of Agios Gregorios Palamas (Metropolis), the Holy Churches of God Sophia, Panagia Halkea, Agios Nikolaos of Tranos and the Holy Monastery of Agia Theodora met in the central square of the city.
The “Great Meeting of Epitaphs” was supported by the Directorate of Culture – Tourism of the Municipality of Thessaloniki and the Organization of Tourism of Thessaloniki, joining it in the effort to promote the city as a religious destination during Easter.