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On Thursday, October 22, 2026, a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy in the most venerable Patriarchal Church of Saint George at the Phanar celebrated the completion of 35 years of the patriarchal ministry of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. His All-Holiness presided, concelebrating with His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and other hierarchs.

His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, concelebrates with His All-Holiness. (Orthodox Observer/Huseyin Aldemir)

Although the anniversary celebration the evening before at the Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, at which His All Holiness was the final speaker, ran late into the night, the Ecumenical Patriarch was in the Patriarchal Church from early in the morning. Attending the Divine Liturgy were the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, a great many Greeks of the diaspora, and numerous clergy from the United States, Australia, Europe and other parts of the world, together with many of the “Romioi,” the city’s own Greek Orthodox.

Minister of Culture Lina Mendoni represented the Greek government. Also present was the shipowner Athanasios Martinos, Archon Exarchos of the Holy and Great Church of Christ and Great Benefactor of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Archons and faithful who traveled to the Phanar for the anniversary attend the Liturgy. In front, Archon Anthony J. Limberakis, M.D., National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle; behind him, Judge B. Theodore Bozonelis, National Vice Commander. (Orthodox Observer/Huseyin Aldemir)

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