On the feast day of the Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas, marking the name day of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, a solemn Patriarchal Divine Liturgy was celebrated on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Metropolitan Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos in Panagia, Imbros.
The Ecumenical Patriarch concelebrated with Patriarch Daniel of Romania and Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria, in a gathering that underscored the bonds of communion and cooperation among the Orthodox Churches.
Concelebrating with the three Primates were Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi, Metropolitan Seraphim of Nevrokopi, and Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki. Also attending were Archbishop Nektarios of Anthedon, Representative of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Metropolitans Chrysostomos of Myra and Maximos of Selyvria, Bishops Adrianos of Halicarnassus and Kassianos of Arabissos, clergy, Archons of the Ecumenical Throne, diplomats, government officials, and numerous faithful pilgrims.
Following the Divine Liturgy, Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon addressed the Ecumenical Patriarch on behalf of the Hierarchy of the Throne. He emphasized that the celebration in Imbros had become “a symbol of pan-Orthodox rejoicing,” noting that the concelebration of the Primates of Romania and Bulgaria offered a powerful witness of Christian unity in a world afflicted by conflict and division.
“The Orthodox Church,” he said, “resembles a deeply rooted and many-branched olive tree, continually nourished by the living waters of the Apostolic Tradition.” He also highlighted the historic ties linking the Ecumenical Patriarchate with the local Orthodox Churches, describing the Mother Church of Constantinople as “the sleepless lamp” that illuminated generations of Orthodox faithful throughout the Balkans.
Archbishop Nektarios of Anthedon then read a congratulatory message from Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem. Patriarch Daniel of Romania subsequently conveyed the greetings and prayers of the Romanian Orthodox Church, emphasizing that his presence in Imbros represented “a blessed opportunity to strengthen the bonds of communion and cooperation” between the Patriarchates of Constantinople and Romania.
The Romanian Patriarch recalled the fourteen official visits made by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Romania over the years and described each one as “a moment of blessing and a manifestation of ecclesial communion.” He also referred to the Ecumenical Patriarch’s most recent visit to Bucharest in October 2025, during which he participated in the consecration of the mosaic iconography of Romania’s National Cathedral and received the country’s highest state distinction, the National Order of the Star of Romania.
Patriarch Daniel praised Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew as “the most recognized and distinguished personality of the contemporary Orthodox world,” highlighting his international efforts in promoting dialogue, peace, religious freedom, and environmental stewardship throughout his 35 years of patriarchal ministry.
The celebrations in Imbros continue as Orthodox faithful from various countries gather to honor the Ecumenical Patriarch on his name day and commemorate the 35th anniversary of his election to the Ecumenical Throne.
Responding to the greetings and tributes offered during the festive Divine Liturgy on the feast of the Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew expressed his profound emotion at celebrating his name day in his native Imbros for the first time since his election to the Ecumenical Throne.
Addressing the faithful gathered at the Metropolitan Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos, the Patriarch reflected on the special significance of returning to his homeland after three and a half decades of patriarchal ministry. He explained that his deep love for Imbros, his affection for the younger generation of Imbrians, and his desire to honor the memory of his ancestors and relatives buried on the island had ultimately inspired his decision.
“It is not customary for a reigning Ecumenical Patriarch to celebrate personal anniversaries or name days away from the Patriarchal Cathedral and the venerable Patriarchal Church,” he said. “Yet, after thirty-five years of uninterrupted patriarchal service, my love for my birthplace, my affection for the young people of Imbros, especially the students of our schools that were miraculously reopened in 2013 and 2016, and my heartfelt attachment to the memory of our forebears overcame every hesitation.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch warmly thanked Patriarch Daniel of Romania and Patriarch Daniel of Bulgaria for accepting his invitation and joining him in Imbros for the celebrations. He described their presence as a powerful testimony to the unbreakable bonds of brotherly love among their Churches and to the unity shared by the three Primates.
“Your presence here brings great honor and blessing to our humble island,” he said. “The clergy and faithful of Imbros receive immense moral and spiritual encouragement from your visit. You have come as bearers of the Lord’s peace and of the love and blessings of your holy Churches.”
Patriarch Bartholomew also spoke about the recent revival of Imbros after decades of hardship, recalling the difficult years during which much of the island’s indigenous Greek population was deprived of its rights, properties, and opportunities. He expressed optimism about the island’s future, noting the ongoing social and spiritual renewal taking place with God’s help, the support of the Turkish authorities, and the cooperation of local government.
“Together with all Imbrians, both those living on the island and those in communities abroad, we look forward with hope to better days,” he said, asking the Patriarchs of Romania and Bulgaria to continue praying for Imbros and its faithful people.
Following the service, the Ecumenical Patriarch received the congratulations of the congregation. Later, together with the visiting Primates, he blessed the festive luncheon hosted at a Greek community restaurant in the village of Schinoudi. Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi also offered heartfelt wishes to the Ecumenical Patriarch in a warm address.
In the afternoon, Patriarch Bartholomew accompanied Patriarch Daniel of Romania to the island’s airport as he departed for Bucharest. Once again, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his sincere gratitude for the Romanian Patriarch’s presence at the celebrations and for his fraternal words of esteem and support.
Photos: Nikos Papachristou
