Ecumenical Patriarch travels to Switzerland for 30th Anniversary of St. Demetrios Church in Zurich

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew departed for Switzerland on Friday, November 6, 2026, for a three-day visit at the invitation of Metropolitan Maximos of Switzerland.

The Patriarchal visit marks the 30th anniversary of the consecration of the Church of Saint Demetrios in Zurich, a ceremony originally performed by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew himself.

On Sunday, November 8, the Ecumenical Patriarch is scheduled to preside over the Divine Liturgy at the church, which will be celebrating its anniversary, and offer his blessing to the faithful participating in the religious celebrations.

During Patriarch Bartholomew’s absence, Metropolitan Apostolos, Elder of Derkoi, will serve as Patriarchal Vicar.

Metropolitan Apostolos, together with Grand Archdeacon Alexandros, accompanied the Ecumenical Patriarch to Constantinople Airport to bid him farewell before his departure.

The Ecumenical Patriarch and his entourage are scheduled to return to Constantinople on the afternoon of Monday, November 9.