The head of the Phanar emphasized the importance of celebrating Easter together for further unification with the RCC

Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople has drawn attention to the importance of the joint celebration of Easter for the further establishment of unity with the Roman Catholic Church. The head of the Phanar believes that the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council will also help accelerate this process. In addition, 2025 will mark 60 years since the lifting of mutual anathemas between the Vatican and the Phanar, which were imposed in 1054. Patriarch Bartholomew said in his New Year’s address, orthodoxoxtimes.com reported.

“The Council, whose 1700th anniversary is celebrated this year, profoundly influenced the theological thought and ecclesiastical course of St. Basil and other great theologians of both the fourth and subsequent centuries. The First Ecumenical Council, convened at Nicea in 325 AD, laid the foundation for the unity of Christians, defining the faith we uphold today. In May 2025, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in cooperation with the Roman Catholic Church, will commemorate this anniversary with a joint celebration in Nicea. Our humility looks forward to welcoming His Holiness Pope Francis on this occasion. This anniversary also brings to the forefront the pressing issue of the united celebration of Easter among Christians, which is an integral theme in promoting the unity of Christians. This year also marks the 60th anniversary of the mutual lifting of excommunication between the Old and New Rome by Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras on December 7, 1965. This historic act laid the cornerstone for rapprochement and dialogue of love and truth between the two Churches,” – said the head of the Phanar.

We will remind, earlier Patriarch of Constantinople Bartholomew called on Pope Francis to return to the calculation of Easter on the Julian calendar. According to the head of the Phanar, if the Roman Catholic Church – after 2025 – will begin to calculate the date of Easter on the Julian calendar, it will contribute to the unification process.