Head of Phanar leads a Christmas service for Istanbul's "Russian" community
Patriarch Bartholomew's meeting at the St Andrew's Metochion of the Vatopedi Monastery in Istanbul. Photo: orthodoxtimes.com
On 7 January 2024, the day of Christmas according to the Julian calendar, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople officiated a divine service in the Russian-speaking community of Istanbul. The broadcast of the service was published on the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Facebook page.
The Nativity service was held in the St Andrew's Metochion of the Vatopedi Monastery in Istanbul.
During his sermon, the patriarch noted that "Christmas is the very holiday that unites Russians, Ukrainians, Greeks, Romanians" and representatives of other nationalities.
"On this great holiday of our faith, I could not be far from you, from my children. We celebrated Christmas on 25 December, but since our pastors now celebrate it according to the Julian calendar, I could not be absent today. <...> Unfortunately, I could not come to the Consecration Day Feast of your St Andrew's Church, so today I came with a double joy – to celebrate Christmas," the head of the Phanar said.
As reported by the UOJ, the President of Poland congratulated the Orthodox on Christmas.
Read also
Interview with His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of ROCOR
The Southern Clergy Retreat and the Growth of Orthodoxy in the South
Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat
Atlanta, GA – Clergy from the Southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese gathered earlier this week for the Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat.
Christian Orthodox Coalition Calls for Action Amid Syrian Crisis
March 19, 2025 – The Christian Orthodox Coalition in the United States has issued a powerful statement condemning the ongoing persecution of Orthodox Christians in war-torn Syria.
EP Hopes US Visit Will Boost Abp. Elpidophoros' Declining Influence
The National Herald reports that Patriarch Bartholomew will travel to America to seek new connections with Washington and support Archbishop Elpidophoros.
Metropolitan Joan of Korca elected as Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church
Albanian Orthodox Church Elevates Met. Joan (Pelushi) to Primate After Archbishop Anastasi’s Repose
The 17th Anniversary of the Repose of Met. Laurus (Shkurla), First Hierarch of the ROCOR
Parishes of the Eastern American Diocese (ROCOR) lifted up their prayers in remembrance of the much-loved Vladyka Laurus on the anniversary of his repose.