On Sunday, December 28, 2025, the day after the Nativity of Christ, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Church of Saint Protomartyr and Archdeacon Stephen in the namesake community in Yeşilköy.
Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria presided over the liturgy, which was co-officiated by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
After the liturgy, Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi welcomed the Ecumenical Patriarch, saying: “In this festive and ecclesiological context, I would like to express my respect and gratitude for your prudent and steadfast leadership of the Church of God, your paternal attitude toward the local churches, and your wise ministry in Christ, which enlightens both clergy and laity. Your pastoral care is marked by a spirit of love and ecclesiastical responsibility. Your paternal attitude exemplifies unity and devotion to the apostolic tradition. It testifies to the Patriarchate’s continuous concern for the faithful and reflects your steadfast presence in the shared life of Orthodox peoples.”
He also addressed the Primate of the Church of Bulgaria, stating: “Throughout history, the Bulgarian people have traveled through the centuries under the spiritual influence of Constantinople and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The spread of the Gospel, the cultivation of theological thought, liturgical traditions, hymnography, music, and hagiography are all fruits of this shared path. Despite historical difficulties and human weaknesses, the Church has produced saints, martyrs, and confessors who transcended ethnic boundaries and became a common heritage for all of Orthodoxy.”
The Metropolitan then presented the Patriarch of Bulgaria with a silver tray bearing the inscription: “In commemoration of your visit to the Church of Saint Stephen in Yeşilköy, Holy Metropolis of Derkoi, December 28, 2025. + Apostolos of Derkoi.”
Following this, the President of the Saint Stephen Community, Mr. Konstantinos Ioannidis, addressed the assembly on behalf of the Community Committee.
After the speeches concluded, the Patriarch of Bulgaria thanked the Ecumenical Patriarch for the hospitality of the Mother Church during his visit with his entourage from December 25 to 28. A reception was then held in the community hall, followed by a meal at a nearby restaurant.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
