Romanian and Bulgarian Primates Join Ecumenical Patriarch on Imbros
Patr. Daniel of Bulgaria and Patr. Daniel of Romania will concelebrate Patr. Bartholomew's nameday on the island of Imbros on Thursday.
IMBROS, TURKEY — Orthodox leaders have gathered on the island of Imbros (Gökçeada) for celebrations honoring Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s nameday and major milestones in his ecclesiastical ministry. Romanian Patriarch Daniel arrived on the island Wednesday, joining Bulgarian Patriarch Daniel (who had arrived on Tuesday) ahead of the anniversary events. A small delegation welcomed the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Bulgarian Patriarch on their arrival on the island.
The commemorations are being held in the birthplace of the Ecumenical Patriarch and will culminate on Thursday, June 11, the feast of St. Bartholomew the Apostle. A Patriarchal Divine Liturgy is scheduled to be celebrated at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God in the town of Panagia on Imbros. Patr. Bartholomew will concelebrate the service with the Patriarchs of Bulgaria and Romania.
The gathering marks several significant anniversaries. This year commemorates the 35th anniversary of Bartholomew’s election as Ecumenical Patriarch and the 65th anniversary of his clerical service. The celebrations also coincide with milestones for the local Church, as the Metropolitanate of Imbros and Tenedos observes the 100th anniversary of its establishment and 1,000 years of Orthodox witness on the island. In anticipation of the multiple celebrations, local villagers gathered to greet the primates in Agioi Theodoroi, Patr. Bartholomew's birthplace.
Earlier in the week, the Ecumenical Patriarchate announced that Patr. Daniel of Bulgaria had been received by Bartholomew at Polos Airport before the two traveled together to Imbros. The participation of the Romanian and Bulgarian primates underscores the significance of the occasion as Orthodox faithful commemorate the feast of St. Bartholomew and honor the ministry of the Ecumenical Patriarch in the place where his life and faith journey began.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Bartholomew and Abp. John led a historic Cappadocian pilgrimage.
