Historic moments are unfolding at the Phanar, as the two heads of Christendom, Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, preside over the Doxology at the patriarchal church of St. George.
The Pope, accompanied by his entourage, arrived at noon at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, where His All-Holiness Bartholomew welcomed him at the entrance to the church. After lighting a candle together and venerating the holy icon, they entered the church, where a Doxology was celebrated. This was preceded on Friday by a joint pilgrimage to Nicaea, marking the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council.
«Dear brother in Christ,» replied Pope Leo, expressing his emotion as he entered the church and felt that he was following in the footsteps of his predecessors. He emphasized the importance of the common path being charted by the Churches and referred to the momentous occasion they shared in Nicaea, commemorating the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council. ’The unity of the Churches is essential,« he noted.
Subsequently, in the Throne Room of the Patriarchal Palace, the signing ceremony for the Joint Declaration took place, followed by the presentation of the hierarchs and the papal entourage.
In the Joint Statement, the two leaders note, among other things:
The importance of theological dialogue, their support for the International Joint Commission of Orthodox and Roman Catholics, as well as the need to strengthen fraternal ties, common prayer, and cooperation wherever possible. They urge clergy, theologians, and the faithful to continue the work of unity and to build upon the fruits that have already been achieved.
They emphasize that the pursuit of Christian unity is linked to the promotion of peace among peoples. They express their concern about the wars that continue to plague the world and call on political leaders to work toward bringing them to an immediate end. They reject any use of religion as a justification for violence and emphasize the importance of interfaith dialogue for the coexistence of peoples.
In attendance are Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria, hierarchs of the Churches of Constantinople and Rome, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps.
The program for the first day at the Phanar will conclude with the Great Vespers, presided over by Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria.
