Patriarch Bartholomew Calls for Joint Efforts Between Rome and Constantinople

During the closing evening of a pilgrimage to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Patriarch Bartholomew delivered a speech emphasizing church unity and spiritual witness. He thanked Archbishop Elpidophoros and the accompanying delegation, calling him a “true bearer of hope,” according to Orthodox Times.

In his remarks, Bartholomew referenced several significant anniversaries celebrated by Christians this year: the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea and the anniversary of the lifting of mutual anathemas between Rome and Constantinople. These commemorations, he said, are a call to deeper cooperation between the Eastern and Western Christian traditions: “We have much to do together — East and West, Rome and Constantinople.”

The Patriarch also announced his upcoming visit to the United States, scheduled for September. He encouraged participants to return home as “messengers of hope” within their local communities.

It was previously reported that on July 20, during a Sunday liturgy at the Church of St. George of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the Phanar, a surprising event took place. Roman Catholic Cardinal Joseph Tobin from the U.S. recited the Nicene Creed at the designated moment of the service. Moreover, Patriarch Bartholomew was present and praying at the time, indicating that the event was likely prearranged.