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.
Read also
ROCOR Priest Reflects on Trip to Capitol Hill
Archpriest Victor Boldewskul participated in the Society of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco's Day of Action to raise awareness about the persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
Hundreds of Chinese Christians Arrested in Pre-Christmas Crackdown
Hundreds of Chinese Christians face spending Christmas in detention after authorities launched a sweeping pre-holiday crackdown on churches under Beijing’s campaign to control religious life.
Ukraine Adviser: UOC Not Banned, but Offered a 'Choice' of Jurisdictions
A Ukrainian presidential adviser said the UOC is not banned but pressured to choose between joining the OCU, submitting to Constantinople, or remaining unregistered, while dismissing international concerns as propaganda.
Indiana Reports 98% Drop in Abortions Under Stricter Law
Indiana’s latest health report shows a 98% drop in reported abortions under stricter laws, though dozens still occurred under legal exceptions and concerns persist about unreported pill abortions.
Armenian Apostolic Church Pushes Back on Political Encroachment
The Armenian Apostolic Church plans to appeal to international bodies to resist government interference and defend its clergy and sacred relics.
Attempted Takeover at Armenian Etchmiadzin Cathedral Thwarted by Faithful
Supporters of Armenian PM Pashinyan attempted to storm Etchmiadzin Cathedral amid calls for the Catholicos’s resignation but were blocked by parishioners and security.