Journey to Colombia
On July 4, 2026, the consecration and Opening of the Doors of the Holy Church of Panagia Pantanassa and Saint Athanasios took place in Cereté, Córdoba department, Colombia.
The Orthodox Missionary Fraternity asked us to attend as representatives. We departed from Athens on July 2nd and arrived in Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, on the evening of the same day. At the airport, we were met by the kind and humble deacon of the Orthodox Church, Fr. Andreas, who welcomed us and brought us two ruanas (a local woolen garment resembling a cape) as a gift from the bishop, to help us cope with the low temperatures, as Bogotá’s climate is cool to cold due to its high altitude (2750 m).
At the hotel, Bishop Timotheos welcomed us with great love and joy, also offering us two boxes of herbal tea to help with the altitude.
The next day, July 3rd, we traveled to Cereté and attended Vespers at the church.
The heat was unbearable, 34-35°C, but felt like 45°C due to the high humidity (80% and above). However, we were compensated by the lush green landscape with tropical fruits such as bananas, mangoes, papayas, and others, creating a magical setting. We felt as if we were walking through a postcard.
But we were even more moved by the love of the simple inhabitants of the area, who rushed to embrace us, showing their respect and affection.
Even the small children crowded around us to touch us, to give and receive love. It was a unique sight.
That evening, a terrifying tropical storm struck the area, causing some damage.
The following day, July 5th, the consecration and Opening of the Doors of the church took place with great splendor, led by Metropolitan Iakovos of Mexico. A brilliant sun accompanied the procession around the church. The sweat from the heat mingled with tears of emotion.
The celebration of the consecration concluded with an impressive musical and dance event featuring local costumes.
In the following days, we toured other cities and regions of the country, such as Medellín, Pereira, etc., always accompanied by the beloved, simple, amiable, and great philhellene Bishop Timotheos of Assos, who is the soul of the Orthodox Church in Colombia. With us were also Gregory and John, two of the children hosted at the bishopric. Their service, willingness, and overall demeanor stole our hearts.
We were guided through coffee plantations, as well as some traditional villages (Salento and Filandia) with their colorful houses, resembling theater sets.
We also ascended Monserrate (3150 m) and Guadalupe (3367 m).
What truly impressed us, however, were the sentiments the locals harbor for every Greek element. Their broad smiles and facial expressions testified to the respect and admiration they feel for the Greeks, their history, and their culture, as these are taught in their schools. They looked at us as if we were a different, superior people. We experienced this throughout all the days we stayed.
We returned, carrying in our suitcases and memories all these wonderful experiences and images, with the prayer that our Panagia and Saint Athanasius may enlighten other people in the area to come to Orthodoxy for the salvation of their souls.
Amen! So be it!
Dimitra Stouraitou
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