On Sunday, 14th July 2024, the memory of our Father among the Saints, Nikodemus the Hagiorite, was celebrated with particular solemnity and splendour at the Holy Metropolis of Nigeria.

In an atmosphere of deep devotion, His Eminence Nikodemus, Metropolitan of Nigeria, honoured the memory of his patron saint, whose name he bears, at the Cathedral of the Resurrection of the Lord in Lagos.

The presence of His Excellency Mr. Athanasios Kotsionis, Ambassador of Greece to Nigeria, together with his wife, was a great honour for His Eminence. On this occasion, the Ambassador conveyed his warm wishes for success in the Metropolitan’s pastoral work and assured him of his full personal support, as well as the continued assistance of the Embassy in the efforts of the Holy Metropolis.

In his homily, the Metropolitan emphasized that God is the Light of the world and the life of all people. He posed a vital question to the hearts of the faithful: Are we truly living a Christian life, one marked by faith in God and love for both Him and our fellow human beings? And are we truly worthy of the Lord’s words, which are addressed to each of us as members of the Church? Concluding his sermon, he conveyed the prayers and blessings of His Beatitude Theodoros II, Pope and Patriarch of Alexandria and All Africa, to the Ambassador and to all the faithful of the Holy Metropolis.

At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the faithful approached their spiritual father to offer their heartfelt wishes on the occasion of his name day.

In the evening, a celebratory dinner was hosted by Mr. Ioannis Koumantaros, President of Flour Mills Nigeria, in honour of His Eminence’s name day. Metropolitan Nikodemus was joined by the Ambassador of Greece and his wife, as well as senior staff members of the company.