The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew held an official meeting on the afternoon of Tuesday, April 23, 2024, with the President of the French Senate, Gérard Larcher, who welcomed him with great honor at the entrance of the Presidential Palace of the Senate.
The meeting, characterized by a warm atmosphere due to the long-standing relationship between the President and the Ecumenical Patriarch, covered various topics. Larcher expressed his satisfaction with the Patriarch’s visit to France and sought insights on the stance of the Autocephalous Orthodox Churches regarding the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East. Additionally, they discussed the Ecumenical Throne’s efforts in environmental protection and its significant role in fostering inter-Christian and inter-religious dialogue in today’s context.
The meeting was attended by the Vice-Presidents of the French Senate, Loïc Hervé, Hervé Marseille, and Roger Karoutchi, representing the Senate, and members of the Patriarch’s entourage. Following the meeting, the Patriarch signed the official visitors’ book and was photographed with the Senate President before being escorted to his vehicle.
Prior to this, the Ecumenical Patriarch and his entourage were guests at a luncheon hosted by the Greek Ambassador, Dimitrios Zevelakis, at the Embassy Residence.
In the afternoon, the Patriarch presided over the official Doxology at the Holy Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Stephen in Paris, where Metropolitan Dimitrios welcomed him. The Patriarch expressed his joy at returning to this significant region under the Ecumenical Throne’s jurisdiction.
During his address, the Patriarch highlighted the spiritual significance of the visit, emphasizing the importance of faith, language, and cultural heritage in preserving the identity of the Orthodox community in France. He commended Metropolitan Dimitrios for his dedicated service and encouraged the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith amidst global challenges.
The evening concluded with a dinner in honor of the Ecumenical Patriarch hosted by the Turkish Ambassador, Yunis Demirer, at the Embassy Residence.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou