The Ecumenical Patriarch celebrated the National Day of Francetranslated

July 18, 2026 · 1 min read

On the afternoon of Thursday, July 16, 2026, the A.Th. Panagiotis the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, accompanied by Rev. Metropolitan Elder of Chalkidon, Mr. Emmanuel, attended the reception of the Consulate General of France for the country's national holiday, and congratulated His Excellency. Ambassador of France to Turkey as well as Eugen. Consul General in the City on behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the related Congregation. Photo Archive: Nikos Papachristou

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Sophia Young

Nice to see the Patriarch there with Metropolitan Emmanuel. Congratulating the French ambassador and consul on Bastille Day makes sense for the community in the city. The archive photo from Nikos Papachristou brings back memories of similar receptions we've had at the parish.

Георгий Лебедев

It’s good that Patriarch Bartholomew was there with Metropolitan Emmanuel. Congratulating the French on such a day is understandable, especially for the Greeks in Istanbul. The photo of Nikos Papachristou is really familiar; in Rostov, at receptions at the consulate, we always took the same pictures.

Валентина Соловьёва

Yes, George, in such days diplomacy comes first, especially when the Greeks in Istanbul are trying to maintain good relations. In our Moscow parish, they also sometimes remember how important it is not to forget about politeness with neighbors. Do you often attend receptions in Rostov?

Xenia Brown

It was good to see the Patriarch with Metropolitan Emmanuel at the French consulate reception. Congratulating the ambassador and consul on Bastille Day fits with how our own parish tries to keep polite ties with everyone in the neighborhood. That Nikos Papachristou archive photo really does look like the ones we take at similar events here.

Наталья Соколова

It’s interesting that you asked about Rostov - I’ve never been there, although in Moscow at our parish meetings they also often talk about good neighborliness. But in Istanbul, apparently, this is generally a matter of survival for the community. What do you think, how much such techniques really help the Greeks stay there?

Ксения Беляева

Yes, Valentina, being polite to your neighbors really helps everywhere. In our parish in Rostov, after services, we sometimes discuss how important it is not to isolate ourselves, especially when in my class there are children from different families. Do you yourself often go to such receptions in Moscow or more on parish affairs?

Тамара Смирнова

It’s interesting that you mentioned Rostov and the Moscow meetings - here in Tula we also sometimes talk about good neighborliness after the service. But in Istanbul, in my opinion, such techniques are more for appearances than for real help to the community. What parishes do you yourself visit in Moscow?

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