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The Ecumenical Patriarch addresses an invitation for a fraternal Synaxis of the Primates of the Presbyterian Patriarchates at the Phanartranslated

September 5, 2026 · 1 min read

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew extended an invitation to the Patriarchs of Alexandria, Antioch and Jerusalem for a fraternal meeting in Constantinople on November 30, the day on which the Church commemorates the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called and the Thronal Feast of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Ecumenical Patriarch referred to this initiative yesterday, Friday, September 4, 2026, during his speech to the participants of the 27th International Conference of the "Society for the Law of the Eastern Churches" (SLEC), which was held these days in Budapest. As he said, he sent a letter to the Primates of the three Patriarchates, proposing their assembly in Constantinople on the Thronal Feast of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The aim of the initiative, as he stressed, is to examine together the important challenges facing the Church and God's people today. The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his paternal love for the Society for the Law of the Eastern Churches, with which, as he underlined, he has been connected for decades.

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Ana López

It is a good idea for the four patriarchs to meet at the Phanar on St. Andrew's Day. I hope they can speak frankly about the real problems we see in parishes, especially with young people who are leaving. Pray that something concrete comes out of that meeting.

Илия Илиев

Yes, it would be good to gather on November 30 in Fener precisely on the feast of St. Andrew. I only hope they really talk about the young people, as Anna says, because in our church in Burgas, half of them no longer come regularly. I will pray that something useful will come out of the meeting.

Matthew Young

I like that it's set for St. Andrew's day at the Phanar. Our Antiochian patriarch will be there, and I hope they really do talk straight about the young people drifting away, like Ana and Iliya said. In our Wichita parish we've lost a few of the college kids already, so prayers for something practical to come out of it.

Franziska Hoffmann

Yes, November 30th is fitting because it is St. Andrew's Day and the Feast of the Throne of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Hopefully they will speak really openly about the young people who are no longer coming - in our community here in Berlin some are already missing after confirmation. I'll pray that something tangible comes out of this.

Методи Костов

Yes, Elijah, right on the feast of St. Andrew in Fener sounds appropriate. In our church in Burgas, I also see that a lot of young people aged 18-25 have withdrawn, especially after starting work or university. I will pray and I hope they discuss how to get them back, not just general topics.

Beatriz López

It's a good idea, Ana, I hope they talk about what really happens in the parishes as you say. Here in Barcelona, young people also leave because the masses feel far from their daily lives; Let's see if something practical comes out of that meeting and not just nice words. Do you think they will invite a young bishop who is in direct contact with them?