Patriarch Bartholomew will meet with the King of England

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has arrived in the United Kingdom, where a series of important meetings is scheduled, including an audience with the British monarch. The head of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople arrived at London’s Heathrow Airport on Monday evening, September 14, where he was greeted by Archbishop Nikitas of Phiatira and Great Britain and Greek Ambassador Ioannis Tsaousis.

The highlight of the visit will be a private meeting between Patriarch Bartholomew and King Charles III, to be held at Balmoral Castle in Scotland. The patriarch’s itinerary in the country is scheduled to last a week and includes a packed schedule of events.

During his visit, Patriarch Bartholomew will visit St. Sophia Cathedral in the London neighborhood of Bayswater, where he will preside over the Divine Liturgy in honor of Archbishop Nikita’s name day. Academic events are also planned: the patriarch will be awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Chichester, and he will also deliver a speech at the University of Oxford. The visit will conclude with a visit to the Stavropegial Monastery of St. John the Baptist in Essex, where on Sunday, September 20, the Patriarch will celebrate the Sunday Liturgy.

The official delegation accompanying the Ecumenical Patriarch includes high-ranking metropolitans, representatives of the Patriarchal Office and the press service, as well as clergy of the Church of Constantinople.