Ecumenical Patriarch departs for France

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew departed by air for France on Monday, October 5, 2026, where he will attend an international scientific conference organized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Chantilly.

The conference, titled “The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church (2016–2026): Assessment and Prospects,” will take place from October 5 to 8, marking ten years since the Holy and Great Council convened in Crete in 2016.

On Monday afternoon, the Ecumenical Patriarch will officially declare the opening of the conference.

Metropolitan Emmanuel, Elder of Chalcedon and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, will deliver welcoming remarks ahead of the Patriarch’s opening address.

During the Ecumenical Patriarch’s absence, Metropolitan Apostolos, Elder of Derkoi, has been appointed Patriarchal Commissioner.

Metropolitan Apostolos saw the Ecumenical Patriarch off at the airport together with Metropolitan Grigorios of Ankara, Chief Secretary of the Patriarchate.