Greek Catholics and Orthodox Christians gathered in Athens and Thessaloniki to pay tribute to Pope Francis during memorial services held in his honor.
In Athens, the service took place Friday evening at Saint Dionysius Catholic Church, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
The Catholic Archdiocese of Athens said in a statement that the Pope's “entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.
He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faith, courage, and universal love, especially for the poor and marginalized.”
The Greek government was represented by Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Sofia Zacharaki, Defense Minister Nikos Dendias, and Secretary General for Religious Affairs Giorgos Kalantzis.
Also attending were former President Prokopis Pavlopoulos, Syriza party leader Sokratis Famellos, former Pasok leader Evangelos Venizelos, Pavlos Christidis of Pasok-KINAL, and former deputy minister for migration Sofia Voultepsi.
Representing the Orthodox Church was Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia, Filadelfia, Iraklio, and Chalkidona, along with envoys from the Patriarchates of Alexandria and Jerusalem, and other Christian denominations including Armenians, Anglicans, and Evangelicals, as well as a representative of the Islamic Mosque of Athens.
In Thessaloniki, a similar service was held at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on Fragkon Street. Faithful of all ages left flowers by the pope’s photo and signed a condolence book that had been open since Tuesday.
Archbishop Georgios, Metropolitan of Corfu, Zakynthos, and Kefalonia and Apostolic Administrator of the Thessaloniki Vicariate, praised the city’s historic role as a crossroads of cultures, values championed by Pope Francis.
“Macedonia, with its rich heritage, has always been a bridge between peoples and traditions — just as Pope Francis was a bridge of dialogue and reconciliation in our time,” said Mr. Georgios.
The Pope’s commitment to ecumenical dialogue, especially with the Orthodox Church, was highlighted. His historic meetings with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and other Orthodox leaders were noted as important steps toward Christian unity.