Ecumenical Patriarch’s 35 years of Leadership celebrated at Book Presentation in Athens

The life, personality, and 35-year patriarchal ministry of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew were celebrated during a special event held on Thursday evening, November 5, 2026, at the Hellenic American Union Theatre in Athens.

The occasion marked the presentation of the commemorative volume Bartholomew: 35 Years of Patriarchate – The Human Face of an Ancient Institution , published by Akritas Editions, tracing the Ecumenical Patriarch’s journey since his enthronement in 1991.

Metropolitan Theodoritos of Laodicea, representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Athens, delivered a greeting on behalf of Patriarch Bartholomew. He highlighted the Patriarch’s education and charismatic personality, describing his 35 years of ministry as decisive for the Church and emphasizing his unwavering commitment to dialogue.

Metropolitan Gabriel of Nea Ionia, Nea Philadelphia, Heraklion, and Chalcedon presented the book, recalling that Patriarch Bartholomew assumed office during a period of profound international change following the fall of the Berlin Wall.

He noted that the Ecumenical Patriarch had continued the vision of Patriarch Joachim by fostering relations with the wider Christian…