His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew celebrated his name day last Thursday on his native island of Imbros, Turkey, where he concelebrated the Divine Liturgy with Patriarch Daniel of Romania and Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria.
Speaking about his heavenly patron, the Ecumenical Patriarch said that the Apostle Bartholomew “brought to Christ peoples, nations and different tongues.”
The service was held at the Dormition of the Mother of God Cathedral in Panagia (Gökçeada).
Joining the three patriarchs in the concelebration were Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Metropolitan Seraphim of Nevrokop (Bulgarian Patriarchate), Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi, and Metropolitan Philotheos of Thessaloniki (Ecumenical Patriarchate).
The delegation accompanying Patriarch Daniel included Archimandrite Andrei Anghel, Patriarchal Vicar; Archdeacon Nicolae Iftimiu, Director of the Basilica News Agency of the Romanian Patriarchate; and Fr Mihai Mușat, Patriarchal Secretary for Inter-Church, Interreligious and Romanian Communities Abroad Relations.
“He Worked in a Manner Pleasing to God”
Reflecting on the missionary work of the Apostle Bartholomew following Pentecost, the Ecumenical Patriarch said:
“He travelled, like the other apostles, to distant lands and laboured in a manner pleasing to God with the plough of the Gospel, sealing his preaching through martyrdom in the end.”
Patriarch Bartholomew recalled that he received the name Bartholomew when he was ordained a deacon 65 years ago in the Metropolitan Cathedral of Imbros.
“From that moment, the Holy Apostle Bartholomew became our heavenly protector.”
His All-Holiness said he had often felt the saint’s presence during difficult moments in his ministry.
“We always pray to him with love and devotion for ourselves and for the Church, and we humbly testify that, during critical moments both for the Church and personally, we have received from him special help and protection.”
Deep Love for His Homeland
The Ecumenical Patriarch explained why he chose to celebrate his name day on his native island, despite this not being customary for a Patriarch of Constantinople.
“Deep love for my homeland overcame every hesitation,” he said.
He also spoke about the hopes of the local community on Imbros, which is experiencing a period of renewal, recalling the reopening of primary and secondary schools for the island’s Greek minority in 2013 and 2016, respectively.
“After many difficult years filled with tears, Imbros has been striving in recent years, with God’s help, through the benevolent support of the authorities of the modern Turkish state and the friendly cooperation of the local administration, to move towards a new social and spiritual flourishing.”
Bonds Uniting the Three Churches
The Ecumenical Patriarch thanked Patriarch Daniel of Romania and Patriarch Daniil of Bulgaria for attending the celebrations.
“Your presence highlights the unbroken bonds of brotherly love in Christ that unite our three Churches.”
“We thank you from the depths of our hearts for graciously accepting our invitation and coming as bearers of the Lord’s peace.”
Messages of Congratulations
Official messages marking the Ecumenical Patriarch’s anniversary were also delivered during the event.
Patriarch Daniel’s message was presented in Greek by Fr Mihai Mușat, while the message of the Holy Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was delivered by Metropolitan Emmanuel.
Archbishop Nektarios of Anthedon also conveyed greetings to His All-Holiness.
The celebrations on Imbros marked both the feast of the Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas and the 35th anniversary of Patriarch Bartholomew’s election as Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.
This year also marks the centenary of the Metropolis of Imbros and Tenedos, and 1,000 years of Orthodox witness on the island of Imbros.
Patriarch Bartholomew is likewise commemorating 65 years of ordained ministry.
Photo: Archim. Andrei Anghel
