Phanar: Great Vespers marks 35 years since Ecumenical Patriarch’s election (LIVE)

Great Vespers is being celebrated today, Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at the Patriarchal Church of St. George at the Phanar in Constantinople, presided over by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, on the eve of the 35th anniversary of his election to the Ecumenical Throne.

Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate have gathered in Constantinople to participate in the commemorative celebrations marking this significant milestone in the Patriarch’s ministry.

According to the official programme issued by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, Great Vespers began at 4:30 p.m., inaugurating the liturgical celebrations commemorating Patriarch Bartholomew’s election on October 22, 1991.

The anniversary celebrations will continue on Thursday, October 22, with a festive Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of St. George, presided over by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

The celebrations mark 35 years of Patriarch Bartholomew’s leadership of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, during which he has placed particular emphasis on Orthodox unity, inter-Christian dialogue, environmental protection and the role of the Church in addressing contemporary global challenges.

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