Head of Phanar expresses readiness to start dialogue on establishing a single date for Easter

The head of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Patriarch Bartholomew, has expressed readiness to establish a single date for Easter with the Roman Catholic Church. The head of the Phanar said this in his speech at the Palace of Europe on the opening day of the PACE winter session in Strasbourg, Ukrinform reports.

“Recent exchanges between the Churches of Rome and Constantinople have led to closer church relations. The Ecumenical Patriarchate is equally committed to promoting Christian unity not only through theological dialogue, but also through lively discussions on the common date of Easter. We believe that the joint celebration of the historic anniversary of Nicaea (Pope Francis is to make a pilgrimage to Nicaea in May — ed.) should inspire a fresh theological conversation, as well as the renewal of Christian cooperation,” — Bartholomew explained.

As reported, on January 25, 2025, during a sermon, Pope Francis called on Christians around the world to unify the date of the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. The head of the Vatican emphasized that this year marks the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicea and that this date should be the beginning of the process of uniting Christians.