HOLY AND GREAT COUNCIL DOCUMENT

Draft Synodical Document

Τετάρτη 24 Ιουνίου 2020

METROPOLITAN KALLINIKOS OF EDESSA (+ AUGUST 7TH, 1984) CANONIZED BY THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE

Saint Kallinikos Metropolitan of Edessa (+August 7th, 1984) - To be commemorated on August 8th

Metropolitan Kallinikos of Edessa (+August 7th, 1984) was canonized today by the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Metropolitan Kallinikos was an ascetic Bishop, who, according to the witnesses, had a venerable repose.

The new Venerable Kallinikos was born in Sitaralona, Agrinio in 1918, to a poor family. He graduated from the Theological School of Athens, and was ordained a deacon and a priest by his brother according to the flesh, Metropolitan Konstantinos of Didymoteichos, Orestiados and Soufliou, in 1957.

He served as a secretary and Preacher of the Metropolis of Aitolias and Akarnanias during the hierarchy of Metropolitan Theokletos.
  
Saint Kallinikos at his ordination to the episcopacy (source)
  
On June 25th, 1967, he was ordained Metropolitan of Edessa in the Holy Church of St. Dionysios, the Patron Saint of Athens, succeeding Metropolitan Dionysios of Edessa,

His consecration was served by Metropolitan Dionysios of Trikkes and Stagon, together with Metropolitans Meletios of Kythera, Konstantinos of Didymoteichos, Synesios of Kassandreias, and Theokletos of Aitolias and Akarnanias.

A few days before his election, the eparchy of Almopias, according to the decision of the Hierarchy of the Church of Greece, was detached from the Metropolis of Florina, and attached to the Metropolis of Edessa.

He was a man of almsgiving, prayer, meekness, and had many pastoral activities in his metropolis.

He was also very careful with his ordinations, and he had within him love and the fear of God.

His spiritual children are many. He left a good and virtuous memory through his monastic life, and example for clergy and laity to imitate.
(source)
  
Kallinikos Metropolitan of Edessa: A "Venerable Person", book on the newly-canonized Saint, written by his spiritual son, Metropolitan Ierotheos (Vlahos) of Nafpaktos (source)
  
Metropolitan Ierotheos Vlahos at the bedside of Saint Kallinikos before his repose (source)
  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!