Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew graced the Patriarchal Church on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, April 14, 2024, where he participated in the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Altar. The service was presided over by Metropolitan Meliton of Philadelphia, co-celebrated by Metropolitans Irineos of Myriophytos and Peristasis, and Theoliptos of Iconium. In accordance with a synodal decision, a Memorial service was performed during the Liturgy to honor the late Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne.
Patriarchal Deacon Epiphanius Kamyanovich delivered the Divine Word, imparting spiritual guidance to the congregation. Among the attendees were Archbishop Leo of Helsinki and All Finland, as well as Metropolitans Joachim of Bursa and Theodore of Seleucia, along with clergy and faithful from Constantinople.
Later in the afternoon, the Ecumenical Patriarch presided over Vespers on the Fifth Sunday of Lent at the Church of St. Fokas in Mesachoro. Archimandrite Lazaros Theodosiou delivered a sermon, further enriching the spiritual experience of the gathered worshippers.