Ecumenical Patriarch meets Abbot of Esphigmenou Monastery on Imbros island

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew shared memories from his childhood and youth on his native island of Imbros during a conversation with Archimandrite Bartholomew, Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Esphigmenou.

During their stay on the island, the Ecumenical Patriarch had the opportunity to look back on personal moments and experiences from the years he spent growing up on Imbros.

In his conversation with the Abbot, Patriarch Bartholomew recalled memories from his childhood and adolescence, offering a personal glimpse into his early life on the island that has remained closely connected with his spiritual journey and ecclesiastical ministry.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the celebrations held on Imbros on August 12 and 13, 2026, marking the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the holy clergy.

The anniversary commemorated his ordination to the diaconate in 1961, following his graduation from the Theological School of Halki. The celebrations brought the Ecumenical Patriarch back to his birthplace for a milestone deeply connected with both his personal history and his decades of service to the Church.