Ecumenical Patriarch attends Republic Day Reception hosted by Turkish President Erdoğan

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attended an official dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Beştepe Presidential Palace in Ankara on Thursday, October 29, 2026, marking the 103rd anniversary of the proclamation of the Republic of Turkey.

The Ecumenical Patriarch, who had returned from Italy on Wednesday evening, October 28, traveled to the Turkish capital the following day, accompanied by Metropolitan Emmanuel, Elder of Chalcedon.

Both hierarchs attended the official dinner held as part of the celebrations commemorating the founding of the Turkish Republic on October 29, 1923.

Visit to the Residence of the Metropolitan of Ankara During his stay in Ankara, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited the residence of Metropolitan Gregory of Ankara, where he celebrated the Service of the Blessing of the Waters (Agiasmos).

The Patriarch subsequently blessed a luncheon held in his honor, attended by the Apostolic Nuncio to Turkey and other invited guests.

Meeting with the President of the Union of Chambers of Turkey As part of his visit to the Turkish capital, the Ecumenical Patriarch also visited the headquarters of the Union of Chambers and…