Pat. Bartholomew arrives in Thessaloniki to concelebrate with Greek Primate

Patriarch Bartholomew arrived in Thessaloniki, Greece, 18 October, 2019. Photo: Orthodox Times

On Friday, October 18, at the invitation of Metropolitan Anthimos (Roussas) of Thessaloniki, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople arrived in Thessaloniki, Romfea reports.

According to the Greek resource, on Saturday, October 19, Patriarch Bartholomew will concelebrate with the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church, His Beatitude Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens and All Hellas in the church of the Theotokos Achiropoeta in Thessaloniki.

The agency also reports that during his visit to Greece, which will last until October 22, the head of the Patriarchate of Constantinople will go on a pilgrimage trip to Mount Athos.

Recall that earlier the Greek media published a possible scenario, according to which the procedure for recognizing the OCU by the Greek Church will be elaborated. In particular, it was said that the Primate of the Greek Church, Archbishop Ieronymos, will take part in a worship service in Thessaloniki, during which "the name of Metropolitan Epiphanius will be mentioned for the first time."

As reported by the UOJ, on the eve there appeared protest inscriptions on Athos saying about the reluctance of the Athonite residents to see Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on the Holy Mountain.

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