Ecumenical Patriarch marks 65 Years of Ministry with Patriarchal Concelebration on Imbros (LIVE)

A Patriarchal Divine Liturgy is being celebrated today, Thursday, August 13, 2026, on the island of Imbros to mark the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the holy clergy.

Joining the Ecumenical Patriarch in the concelebration are Pope and Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa and Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, who travelled to the Patriarch’s native island to honor this significant milestone in his ecclesiastical ministry.

The anniversary commemorates Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s graduation from the Theological School of Halki and his ordination to the diaconate in 1961, marking 65 years of service to the Church.

Prayer service in the Patriarch’s native village

On the eve of the anniversary, Wednesday, August 12, Great Vespers for the Apodosis of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Paraklesis to the Most Holy Theotokos were celebrated at the Church of Saint George in the village of Agioi Theodoroi on Imbros, the birthplace of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria presided over the service, with Archbishop Ioannis of Albania also presiding, while…