The Ecumenical Patriarchate marks its Thronal Feast on Sunday, Nov. 30, celebrating the Feast of St. Andrew the First-Called, founder of the Church of Constantinople.
The patriarchal and synodal Divine Liturgy is led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, with Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria concelebrating, and in the presence of Pope Leo XIV. The head of the Roman Catholic Church arrived at the Phanar (Fanar) at around 10:30 a.m. local time.
Hierarchs of both churches, representatives of other Christian traditions, diplomats, officials, and faithful have gathered in the Patriarchal Church of St. George. Greece is represented by Deputy Foreign Minister Giannis Loverdos.
Later in the day, following a private luncheon with the Ecumenical Patriarch, Pope Leo XIV will depart Istanbul for Beirut, continuing the second leg of his apostolic journey.
Earlier this morning, Pope Leo visited the Patriarchate of the Armenian Apostolic Church in Istanbul.
“This visit allows me to thank God for the courageous Christian witness of the Armenian people throughout history, often in the face of tragic circumstances,” he said in a brief address.
He noted that the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council offers a moment to honor the Nicene Creed, adding: “We must draw from our shared apostolic faith to regain the unity that existed in the early centuries between the Church of Rome and the ancient Eastern Churches.”
Armenian Patriarch Sahak Mashalian replied with gratitude, recalling that “the Armenian people do not forget the Popes who raised their voices in our difficult moments, who stood with Christian communities in danger, and who defended the truth when the world hesitated.”
He emphasized that Christians across the Middle East and beyond face hardship, migration, and dwindling numbers.
“In such times, unity becomes essential,” he said. “Here in Turkey, our Christian communities live as a small flock, yet one strengthened by mutual respect. The Armenian Apostolic Church firmly believes that division among Christians wounds the Body of Christ, but we trust that the Holy Spirit heals these wounds and brings the Churches closer, step by step.”
