Head of Phanar: Common celebration of Easter is crucial for Christian unity

Photo: Pope Francis and Patriarch Bartholomew. Source: britannica.com

In his traditional New Year address, delivered in the Throne Hall of the Patriarchal residence after the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople emphasized the issue of unity with the Roman Catholic Church (RCC).

A significant part of the Phanar leader's address was dedicated to the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, which, according to him, "profoundly influenced the theological thought and ecclesiastical course of St. Basil and other great theologians of both the fourth and subsequent centuries."

Patriarch Bartholomew reminded that this jubilee would be celebrated in May 2025 jointly with the Roman Catholic Church:

"The First Ecumenical Council, convened in Nicaea in 325 AD, laid the foundation for Christian unity, defining the faith we uphold today. In May 2025, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, in collaboration with the Roman Catholic Church, will commemorate this anniversary with a joint celebration in Nicaea."

He noted that "our humility anticipates welcoming His Holiness Pope Francis for this occasion" and stated that the anniversary of the Council in Nicaea "brings to the forefront the pressing issue of a unified celebration of Easter among Christians, a subject integral to fostering Christian unity."

Additionally, the head of Phanar recalled the 60th anniversary of the mutual lifting of excommunications between Constantinople and Rome, a milestone achieved by Pope Paul VI and Patriarch Athenagoras in 1965.

"This historic act laid the cornerstone for the rapprochement and dialogue of love and truth between the two Churches," Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized.

Previously, UOJ reported that the head of Phanar had called on the Pope to return to the Julian calendar.

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