Informal talks between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Anglican Communion took place at the Phanar on May 21–22, 2026, focusing on issues of common interest and preparations for the next stage of the official theological dialogue.
The delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate included Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium, co-chairman of the International Commission for Anglican–Orthodox Theological Dialogue (ICAOTD), Metropolitan Job of Pisidia, Metropolitan Maximos of Silivria, and Archdeacon Evlogios Tsatsas, secretary of the Dialogue.
The Anglican Communion was represented by Bishop Michael Lewis, co-chairman of the ICAOTD, Bishop Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, Dr. Christopher Wells, Director for Unity, Faith and Order, and Rev. Neil Vigers, responsible for Unity, Faith and Order matters.
All participants were received in a special audience by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, who warmly welcomed the delegations and encouraged the continuation of their common work.
Metropolitan Athenagoras opened the meetings by greeting the Anglican delegation. During the discussions, both sides exchanged views on matters of mutual concern and presented the priorities and contemporary life of their respective ecclesial traditions.
According to the official announcement, these informal conversations have been held for many years without a fixed agenda, aiming primarily at strengthening mutual trust and understanding.
At the same time, the coordinating committee of the Dialogue met to finalize preparations for the plenary session scheduled to take place in Alexandria next September under the auspices of the Patriarchate of Alexandria.
The participants expressed gratitude to the Ecumenical Patriarchate for its hospitality and thanked Archdeacon Evlogios for his care and organization of the meetings.
