Pat. Bartholomew Commemorates 60th Anniversary of Lifting of Anathemas

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: orthodoxtimes.com

ISTANBUL — On December 7, 2025, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided at the Divine Liturgy in the Patriarchal Church, commemorating the 60th anniversary of the 1965 lifting of the 1054 Anathemas by Pope Paul VI and Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras. A Doxology marked the occasion, with 12 metropolitans concelebrating.

In his homily, Pat. Bartholomew reflected on Pope Leo XIV’s recent visit to the Phanar and their joint pilgrimage to Nicaea for the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council. He emphasized that the 1965 declaration represented a prophetic step toward renewed relations between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches, grounded in “purification of hearts” and a shared commitment to the apostolic faith.

The Patriarch honored the late Met. John Zizioulas for his formative role in theological dialogue and warned against growing indifference toward Christian unity. He concluded by urging continued dedication to reconciliation and the ongoing journey toward full communion.

Previously, UOJ reported on Pat. Bartholomew and Pope Leo's commemoration of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. 

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