Patr. John X Received with Honors at the Phanar
Patr. John X’s visit with the Ecumenical Patriarch underscores continued fraternal ties between the ancient Orthodox patriarchates of Antioch and Constantinople.
ISTANBUL — Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople welcomed Patr. John X of Antioch on April 28 during an official visit to the Phanar, marked by formal reception and fraternal exchange.
Patr. John X, who had recently been traveling in southeastern Turkey on pastoral visits within the Patriarchate of Antioch, came to Constantinople to personally extend Paschal greetings. He was received at the Patriarchate by clergy as bells rang, before venerating at the Patriarchal Church and proceeding to a private meeting with Patr. Bartholomew.
The meeting included senior hierarchs and representatives from both patriarchates, including the recently consecrated Bp. Paul of Tarsus. A formal dinner followed in honor of the visiting primate and his delegation.
Patr. John X is expected to remain in the city until midday Thursday.
Previously, the UOJ reported on other media coverage which said the departure of a Bulgarian bishop from a Phanar Paschal service sparked tensions with Constantinople.
