Heads of Albanian and Alexandrian Churches arrive for Pat. Bartholomew's jubilee

Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria, Patriarch Bartholomew, and Archbishop Ioannis of Albania on Imbros. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency

On August 11, 2026, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana and All Albania arrived on the island of Imbros to take part in the celebrations marking the 65th anniversary of the priestly ordination of Patriarch Bartholomew, reports Orthodoxia News Agency.

At the island's port, the Primates were met by Patriarch Bartholomew together with the clergy and residents of Imrbos, led by Metropolitan Cyril of Imbros and Tenedos. After their arrival, the hierarchs proceeded to the metropolitan Cathedral of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, where they celebrated a divine service.

On August 13, Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and Archbishop Ioannis of Albania will concelebrate with Patriarch Bartholomew on the day of the 65th anniversary of his ordination. Bartholomew was ordained on August 13, 1961, upon graduating from the Halki Theological School.

Patriarch Bartholomew called the arrival of the Primates a great honor for himself and his homeland. He recalled that two months earlier, Imbros had also been visited by Patriarchs Daniel of Romania and Daniel of Bulgaria, who had come to celebrate his name day.

On August 15, the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Ioannis of Albania will also celebrate a joint Liturgy at the Church of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos in Agridia on the island of Imbros.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that Patriarch Bartholomew announced his visit to Bulgaria in October.

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