Patr. Bartholomew Marks 65th Anniversary of Ordination in Imbros

IMBROS, TURKEY — Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew marked the 65th anniversary of his ordination to the diaconate in his birthplace of Imbros on Thursday, celebrating the milestone with the Primates of the Churches of Alexandria and Albania and reflecting emotionally on his lifelong ministry.

During the Divine Liturgy for the feast of the Transfiguration, Patr. Bartholomew recalled receiving the first degree of priesthood in the same church 65 years earlier. “I greet you with all my love, I thank you for your noble presence at this Divine Liturgy, full of Resurrection,” he said, expressing gratitude to God and remembering his spiritual father and benefactor, Metr. Meliton of Imbros and Tenedos.

The Ecumenical Patriarch also recalled the words of his Elder at his ordination that became a guiding principle throughout his life. “The words ‘Jesus alone’ were forever inscribed in my soul and functioned as a compass in my life,” he said, referring to Christ’s appearance to the disciples following the Transfiguration.

Patr. Bartholomew said his ministry had been shaped by Imbros and the Theological School of Halki, as well as by his commitment to dialogue, Orthodox unity, peace, environmental protection, and service to the Church. He also expressed hope for the future of Imbros, particularly following the reopening of its schools and renewed interest among younger generations.

Reflecting on his enduring connection to his homeland, he concluded with a promise: “I will continue, until my last breath, to come, a humble pilgrim, to my birthplace, to be rebaptized existentially and to become once again mentally the child who followed the blessed Fr. Asterios.”

Previously, the UOJ reported that Patr. Bartholomew criticized Moscow over activities in Africa.