A Patriarchal Divine Liturgy was celebrated today, Thursday, August 13, 2026, on the island of Imbros to mark the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the holy clergy.
Joining the Ecumenical Patriarch in the concelebration are Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa and Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, who travelled to the Patriarch’s native island to honor this significant milestone in his ecclesiastical ministry.
The anniversary commemorates Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s graduation from the Theological School of Halki and his ordination to the diaconate in 1961, marking 65 years of service to the Church.
Prayer service in the Patriarch’s native village
On the eve of the anniversary, Wednesday, August 12, Great Vespers for the Apodosis of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Paraklesis to the Most Holy Theotokos were celebrated at the Church of Saint George in the village of Agioi Theodoroi on Imbros, the birthplace of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria presided over the service, with Archbishop Ioannis of Albania also presiding, while Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew prayerfully attended from within the Holy Altar.
Also in attendance were Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Metropolitan Meliton of Philadelphia, Metropolitan George of Guinea, and Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, along with fathers from Mount Athos, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and a large number of faithful.
The presence of the three Primates on Imbros gives particular significance to the celebrations honoring a milestone closely connected with both the Ecumenical Patriarch’s birthplace and the beginning of his 65-year ministry in the Church.
