On Sunday, October 15, 2023, the Consecration of the Holy Church of St. Ephraim of the Syro-Jacobite Community in St. Stephen (Yeşilköy) of Constantinople was held.
Among the representatives of the Christian Churches, in the absence of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, was the Patriarchal Commissioner, Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi.
As it is known, last Sunday, October 8, the inauguration was held by the President of the country Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with the presence of representatives of the other Christian Churches, first of all, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. It is worth mentioning that the Mor Efrem Temple is an impressive 5-storey building with separate areas for services, ceremonies, and events.
In his speech, the Patriarchal Commissioner, representing the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Mother Church, stressed that: “The Ecumenical Throne, always having as its primary goal the strengthening of Orthodox relations, has fought to free the Churches from fanaticism and has been at the forefront of efforts to bring all Christian Churches closer together”.
He also noted: “The work of the Churches is the spreading of the Gospel and faith in Christ. Without sincere dialogue for unity and reconciliation, this work becomes increasingly difficult. The theological dialogue between the Orthodox Churches and the Ancient Eastern Churches, as you well know, Your Beatitude, has been completed since 1990. Since then, efforts have been made on both sides to ensure that the decisions taken are implemented in the life of the modern Churches. We are in a new phase of revitalization of fraternal relations and we hope that the Lord of Peace will bless our efforts and guide our steps towards the desired unity”.
After the Divine Liturgy and the consecration, gifts were exchanged and a festive meal followed.
