Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the celebration of the Feast of Epiphany at the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Greek government was represented by Giorgos Kotsiras, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad, with the presence of Stefanos Kasselakis, the president of SYRIZA-PA, and Nikos Androulakis, the president of PASOK-KINAL.
The impressive participation of pilgrims from Greece and various countries marked the gathering at the Phanar for the ceremonial Diving for the Cross in the waters of the Golden Horn, held on the beach in front of the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The service of the Sanctification of the Waters took place in other parts of Constantinople, in the Bosphorus, the Princes’ Islands, Agios Stefanos, and Modi of Chalcedon, where the Blessing of the Waters took place for the first time in 49 years. Following the Divine Liturgy, the Ecumenical Patriarch hosted a lunch in honor of his guests, followed by a private meeting with Kasselakis.