Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew marked the 35th anniversary of his election to the Ecumenical Throne with a Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchate in Istanbul on Thursday, October 22, reflecting on his decades of leadership and the Orthodox Church’s role in promoting Christian unity, interfaith dialogue, human rights and environmental protection.
The Ecumenical Patriarch presided over the anniversary service, concelebrated by senior hierarchs, including Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Archbishop Eugenios of Crete and several metropolitans of the Ecumenical Throne.
Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni attended on behalf of the Greek government, alongside diplomatic representatives, clergy, members of the Greek community of Istanbul and pilgrims from abroad.
In his address, Bartholomew recalled his election on October 22, 1991, following the death of Ecumenical Patriarch Demetrios, whom he had served for two decades. He also paid tribute to his spiritual mentor, Metropolitan Meliton of Chalcedon.
Patriarch reflects on three decades of orthodox leadership
Bartholomew described the historic circumstances surrounding his election, shortly after the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe and the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
He said the period had created new opportunities for Orthodox Churches emerging from decades of communist persecution, allowing them to expand their international engagement and participate in dialogue with other Christian denominations, religions and cultures.
The Patriarch outlined several priorities of his tenure, including preserving Orthodox traditions, strengthening cooperation among Orthodox Churches and promoting human dignity, peace and environmental protection.
He also referred to the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, convened in Crete in 2016, as a significant milestone in efforts to strengthen Orthodox cooperation.
Without naming specific Churches, Bartholomew criticized what he described as the emergence of ideologies driven by hegemonic ambitions and secular interests within parts of the Orthodox world, which he said had undermined efforts toward unity.
He maintained that the Ecumenical Patriarchate would continue its work despite these divisions, emphasizing its responsibility to serve Orthodox Christians across national and geographical boundaries.
International leaders and Greek Diaspora honor anniversary
The anniversary celebrations began Wednesday with a festive Vespers service attended by hierarchs, Greek community representatives and students from Istanbul’s Greek schools.
Archbishop Makarios of Australia addressed the Patriarch on behalf of a large delegation of pilgrims, emphasizing the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s importance to Orthodox Christians worldwide.
Bartholomew also received Mendoni in a private meeting, during which she conveyed congratulations from the Greek government.
Later, a formal dinner was held in his honor, attended by Church leaders and representatives of Istanbul’s Greek community. Two documentaries examining his 35 years of patriarchal ministry, produced by Greece’s public broadcaster ERT and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, were presented during the event.
Representatives of the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle, including National Commander Dr. Anthony Limberakis, also participated in the celebrations.
Among the attendees was Greek businessman Athanasios Martinos, a prominent supporter of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The Patriarch received congratulatory messages from religious and political leaders worldwide, including Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis.
In remarks during the anniversary events, Bartholomew also addressed the challenges posed by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, stressing the importance of human freedom, dignity and spiritual values in an increasingly technological society.
The celebrations concluded with a luncheon hosted by the Patriarch at the nearby Maraslis Patriarchal School.
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