On the morning of Friday, January 23, 2026, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, accompanied by the Grand Archdeacon Alexander, travelled to his birthplace, Imbros (Gökçeada).
On Saturday, the Ecumenical Patriarch attended in prayer the three-year memorial service for his sister, Zacharo Anastasiadis, at the Church of Saint George in his home village. The Divine Liturgy was presided over by Metropolitan Kyrillos of Imbros and Tenedos, who also addressed the faithful with words in memory of the departed.
Following the service, the Ecumenical Patriarch spoke briefly, expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the local hierarch, the clergy, and his fellow islanders, who honoured the memory of his sister through their presence and common prayer.
A memorial meal was then held at the nearby village association. After the luncheon hosted at the Metropolis, the Ecumenical Patriarch departed the island and returned in the afternoon to the Phanar.
