On Sunday, June 15, 2025, a magnificent concelebration took place at the Phanar under the leadership of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The Divine Liturgy included the participation of Archbishop Ioannis of Albania, along with numerous hierarchs from their respective Churches, honoring the feast of All Saints Sunday.
In his sermon, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew made a heartfelt appeal for peace and an end to the bloodshed in the Middle East: “Our cooperation and unity are especially necessary today as the world is shaken by bloody conflicts and wars, with thousands of victims and countless refugees. The Orthodox Church must offer its voice and good testimony against violence and conflict, advocating for dialogue and the triumph of peace. Especially in this critical moment, when all eyes are once again on the long-suffering Middle East, where developments are taking dangerously uncontrollable dimensions. Therefore, we loudly call upon the leaders and governments of the involved states and peoples to show the necessary self-restraint, for their own benefit first and foremost, but also for the good of humanity as a whole.”
He continued: “We pray that the Prince of Peace will enlighten them to choose and follow the path of dialogue instead of escalating war violence. We implore the Lord of all to protect the innocent and defenseless children. We know that our brother, Pope Leo XIV of Rome, has made a similar plea. May our voices be heard, reason prevail, and the war and bloodshed in the Middle East and in the severely tested Ukraine, which has been suffering for over three years, as well as in all other regions of the world troubled by violent conflicts, come to an end.”
In his response, Archbishop Ioannis of Albania spoke of the resilience and mission of the Albanian Orthodox Church: “Today, the Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania stands with humility but also confidence before the challenges of the 21st century. The experience of relentless persecution and miraculous revival has strengthened our faith in the power of the Cross and the Resurrection, in the victory of light over darkness, of love over hatred. We envision a strong and united voice of Orthodoxy in the modern world, a voice that boldly and wisely carries the Gospel message, offering answers to the existential questions of contemporary humanity and healing love to the wounds of mankind.”
He further added: “The Church’s mission to unite peoples and guide them towards the light of the Resurrection remains as relevant and urgent as ever. The Church of Albania, to the best of its abilities, is ready to serve in this great work. Your All-Holiness, please accept our heartfelt gratitude for your fatherly love and unwavering support towards the Church of Albania. Our presence today at the Phanar proclaims our love, respect, and dedication to Your Eminence’s sacred person and the high institution you divinely represent.”
Also present for the Divine Liturgy were Archbishop Nektarios of Anthidon, Commissioner of the Holy Sepulchre in Constantinople, Metropolitan Theoliptos of Iconium, Metropolitan Andreas of Forty Churches, Metropolitan Theodors of Seleucia, Bishop Adrianos of Halicarnassus, Bishop Kassianos of Aravissos and Bishop Paisios of Xanthoupolis, Archons of the Great Church of Christ, the Consul-General of Greece and Consul of Albania in Constantinople, Ambassador Konstantinos Koutras and Mr. Armand Shandro, respectively, faithful from the city of Constantinople and pilgrims from abroad.
After the sermons, the two Primates exchanged commemorative gifts, followed by a reception at the Patriarchal residence.
