"Sparti is more than a place; it is an ideal that transcends nations and borders, a symbol of the Doric spirit, simplicity, and resilience." — Patriarch Bartholomew
In a historic and grand event, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has been named an Honorary Citizen of Sparti.
The ceremony was part of the three-day festivities commemorating Saint Nikon “Metanoeite,” the Preacher of Repentance and Patron Saint of Sparti. It marked the Patriarch's first visit to Laconia and Sparti, following an invitation from Metropolitan Eustathios of Monemvasia and Sparti, and the Mayor Michalis Vakalopoulos.
On Tuesday evening, after visiting the Church of Saint Ananias, the Patriarch was warmly welcomed by a cheering crowd as he arrived at the Hall of Laconian Poets Giannis Ritsos and Nikiforos Vrettakos. This venue hosted the special honorary ceremony organised by the Municipality of Sparti.
The event was attended by clergy, members of Parliament, local and regional government officials, military and security representatives, institutional leaders, and distinguished guests. Mayor Vakalopoulos, addressing the gathering, highlighted the historical importance of the Patriarch’s visit: "As descendants of the ancient Dorians, we are immensely proud. Patriarch Bartholomew has been rightly recognised for embodying the strength, courage, and steadfast faith in eternal principles and values—qualities that define the identity and spiritual heritage of the Dorians."
The Mayor also praised the Patriarch's remarkable initiatives during his 33-year tenure, particularly his leadership in environmental advocacy and his efforts to combat the climate crisis, issues of great concern to the region's residents and farmers affected by wildfires and extreme weather. "On behalf of all our citizens, I express heartfelt joy for the honour of your visit to our historic Sparti. We deeply appreciate your acceptance of the proposal to become an Honorary Citizen of Sparti and warmly welcome you once again to our municipality," he concluded.
The ceremony included an encomium by Stefanos Vrettakos, President of the Municipal Council, and a video presentation highlighting the Patriarch's work and achievements.
The President of the Council then read the resolution proclaiming the Patriarch as an Honorary Citizen. The Mayor presented His All-Holiness with the honorary title, a commemorative plaque, and symbolic gifts, to which the Patriarch responded with heartfelt thanks and gifts of his own.
In his speech, Patriarch Bartholomew expressed deep gratitude to the Mayor, the President, and the Municipal Council for the honour. Reflecting on Sparti's enduring historical and spiritual significance, he remarked: "Sparti is more than a place; it is an ideal that transcends nations and borders, a symbol of the Doric spirit, simplicity, and resilience. As Christians and as individuals, we are called to embrace these values and, in a sense, to be Spartans."
The Patriarch pledged to keep Sparti and its people in his prayers, while urging the Laconians to include Constantinople, the City of the Theotokos, and the remnants of the Greek diaspora in theirs.
The evening concluded with a heartfelt musical tribute by the traditional choir of the Byzantine Music School "Petros the Lacedaemonian," directed by Professor Nikolaos Taprantzis. The performance honoured His All-Holiness, bringing the memorable event to a graceful close.
The three-day visit of Patriarch Bartholomew ended yesterday afternoon with his conferral of an honorary PhD of the Faculty of Human Movement and Quality of Life Sciences at the University of the Peloponnese, based in Sparti.
Thanasis Davakis, a local member of the Greek parliament, emphasised that the ceremony underscores the critical need for university faculties in the Greek provinces. He noted that such significant occasions help bridge the gap between academia and local communities, leaving a lasting impact on public sentiment.
These historic events not only celebrated Patriarch Bartholomew’s remarkable contributions to faith, the environment, and humanity but also reinforced Sparti’s enduring role as a beacon of spiritual and cultural heritage.
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