The Ecumenical Patriarchate celebrated the memory of its founder, St. Andrew the First-Called Apostle, in a festive atmosphere.
During a Patriarchal and Synodal Divine Liturgy on November 30, 2024, led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, various bishops and clergy from different regions were in attendance, along with a representative from the Church of Rome, Cardinal Kurt Koch.
After the service, the Ecumenical Patriarch addressed the official delegation of the Church of Rome, discussing the work of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. He also mentioned the 20th anniversary of the return of the holy relics of Saints Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom by Pope John Paul II.
The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his desire for continued collaboration between the two Churches and highlighted the upcoming 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea in 2025.
He requested Cardinal Koch to convey his best wishes to Pope Francis and read a message from the Pope during the event.
He restated his previous desire to celebrate this important event with the Ecumenical Patriarch and expressed his appreciation to those who have already started working towards this collaboration.
“This anniversary will not only involve the ancient Sees that actively participated in the Council, but all Christians who still uphold their faith in the words of the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed.
In this context, I join in your prayer for peace in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, and all regions where what I have often referred to as a ‘piecemeal world war’ is being waged.”
Later in the day, the Ecumenical Patriarch met with Nikolay Denkov and Kyril Petkov, former Prime Ministers of Bulgaria, to discuss current and urgent issues.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
