The Ecumenical Patriarch, along with his entourage, arrived on the morning of May 14th at Lisbon’s airport. They were invited by the International Center for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz (KAICIID), to participate in the 1st World Forum (May 14-16) as the keynote speaker at its new headquarters in Lisbon.
Upon arrival, the Ecumenical Patriarch was welcomed by Metropolitan Bessarion of Spain and Portugal, accompanied by associates from the Metropolis who will assist during his stay, the Greek Ambassador to Portugal, Vassilios Papadopoulos, and the KAICIID Protocol Officer.
At the hotel, the Ecumenical Patriarch was greeted by the Secretary General of KAICIID, Dr. Zuhair Alharthi. The Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus to Portugal, Elpidophoros Oikonomou, also engaged in a brief conversation with Dr. Alharthi.
Subsequently, the Ecumenical Patriarch visited the Patriarchal Seminar (Seminário Maior de Cristo Rei dos Olivais) where he was received by the Archbishop of Lisbon, Rui I, and his assistant bishop. A private meeting between the two delegations ensued, followed by an address to the Presbyteral Council (Conselho Presbiteral) and students of the Seminar in the auditorium. The Ecumenical Patriarch responded with an instructive and heartfelt speech.
After the meeting, the Ecumenical Patriarch was given a tour of the Seminar premises, which concluded with a luncheon in his honor. The luncheon was attended by the Patriarchal entourage, members of the Council, candidate clergymen, and students of the Seminar.
In the evening, the Greek Ambassador hosted a dinner for the Ecumenical Patriarch and his entourage, which was also attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Cyprus.
The Patriarchal entourage includes Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Metropolitan Bessarion of Spain and Portugal, Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Private Patriarchal Office, and Patriarchal Deacon Epifanios Kamianovych.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas
