Ecumenical Patriarch Marks 1,400 Years Since Akathist Hymn First Sung

CONSTANTINOPLE — Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Waters of the Virgin Mary of Blachernae on Aug. 7, marking the 1,400th anniversary of the first singing of the Akathist Hymn at the historic site.

The service commemorated the miraculous deliverance of Constantinople from an Avar siege on the night of Aug. 6-7, 626. According to tradition, after the city was saved through the protection of the Theotokos, its people stood to chant the hymn of thanksgiving that became known as the Akathist, meaning “not seated.”

In his homily, Patr. Bartholomew said that being at the site where the hymn was first sung “makes us reflect and experience more deeply this miracle of our presence in this blessed place of our Fathers.” He recalled that the Ecumenical Patriarchate dedicated its 2026 yearbook to the anniversary and organized academic and liturgical commemorations throughout the year.

Patr. Bartholomew also prayed for peace amid wars in the Middle East and Ukraine. “We place ‘all our hope’ in the Lady Theotokos, the Mother of the Prince of Peace,” he said, asking Her to intercede for a troubled world. He urged Christians to remain steadfast amid suffering, saying, “We must not grow weary under the weight of the many crosses that we are called to bear daily.”

The service was attended by Archons of the Greek Orthodox Church from the United States, faithful from Constantinople, and pilgrims from Greece and other countries.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Shio III was expected to visit the Phanar soon.