On the morning of Thursday, April 10, 2025, as is customary every year, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew lit a candle and placed spring flowers at the Closed Gate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in memory of his martyred predecessor, Saint Gregory V.
The ceremony took place in an atmosphere of reverent silence, as the Patriarch, accompanied by the Hierarchs of the Holy and Sacred Synod and members of the Patriarchal Court, knelt in prayer at the sacred site where Saint Gregory V was hanged in 1821.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew prayed for the strength and guidance of the Mother Church in its global ministry, the spiritual growth of its faithful around the world, and the establishment of peace and justice in war-torn and conflict-ridden regions across the globe.
The moving tribute concluded with the chanting of the apolytikion (dismissal hymn) of the Saint, adding to the deeply spiritual tone of the moment.
Photo credit: Mevlan Suleyman
