Delegation of Ecumenical Patriarchate in Rome for the feast of Apostle Saints Peter and Paul

1 Jul 2022


Within the context of the traditional exchange of delegations for their respective patronal feasts, on 29 June in Rome for the celebration of the Apostle Saints Peter and Paul, and on 30 November in Istanbul for the Apostle Saint Andrew, a delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate visited Rome from 28 to 30 June 2022.

The delegation was led by Archbishop Job of Telmessos, representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the World Council of Churches and Co‒President of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church. Archbishop Job was accompanied by Bishop Adrianos of Halicarnassus and Patriarchal Deacon Barnabas Grigoriadis.

On Wednesday 29 June, the delegation of the Patriarchate attended the solemn Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Holy Father, and took part in conversations with the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity.

On Thursday 30 June, the delegation was received in audience by Pope Francis.

During the audience, Archbishop Job read a letter from His All Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in which he made reference to the current international situation, affirming: “From the experience of our mutual fraternal relations, we know how much meeting and dialogue are of capital importance in overcoming the unfortunate conflicts of the past”.

In the Holy Father’s address, reflecting on the expression “Sister Churches, Brother Peoples” of the Ecumenical Patriarch Athenagoras, Pope Francis affirmed: “Seeking Christian unity is not merely a question internal to the Churches. It is an essential condition for the realization of an authentic universal fraternity, manifested in justice and solidarity towards all”.

Calling to mind the recent meeting of the Coordinating Committee of the Joint International Commission for Theological Dialogue between the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church, Pope Francis spoke of his “hope that the theological dialogue will progress by promoting a new mentality that, conscious of the errors of the past, can help us to look together to the present and future, without letting ourselves be trapped in the prejudices of the past”.

 

Photos © Servizio Fotografico | Vatican Media