The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew invited more than 50 lonely Greeks from Istanbul to celebrate Christmas together with their spiritual father in a family-like atmosphere. His All-Holiness blessed the festive meal hosted at the Patriarchal Maraslis Urban School, which, following its recent renovation, now serves the needs of the Patriarchate.

Earlier, he presided over a divine liturgy in a jubilant and festive atmosphere at the Patriarchal Church of St. George. Among those present were the Greek Ambassador to Turkey, Theodoros Bizakis, clergy, monks from Mount Athos, representatives of Christian communities of Istanbul, Archons of the Great Church of Christ under the General Secretary of their Brotherhood “Panagia Pamakaristos,” Konstantinos Delikostantis, the Ukrainian Consul General in Istanbul Roman Nedilskyi, the Greek Consul Theophilos Georgakis, and a large number of faithful from Istanbul and abroad.

Later, the Ecumenical Patriarch received the Greek Ambassador in the Patriarchal Office, where they exchanged warm wishes. Bartholomew asked the ambassador to convey the Patriarchate’s Christmas greetings and love to the Greek government and the devout Greek people. He then welcomed the Abbot of the Vatopedi Monastery of Mount Athos, Archimandrite Ephraim, along with members of his brotherhood and lay collaborators.

The Ecumenical Patriarch also received holiday greetings from the mayors of Istanbul districts historically home to the Greek minority: Inan Günay from Beyoğlu, Resul Emrah Şahan from Şişli, Mustafa Oktay Aksu from Sarıyer, and a representative from the Besiktas municipality. In a brief speech, he thanked them for their presence, emphasizing that it demonstrated a spirit of unity and solidarity.

He highlighted his hope that such a spirit would prevail in the Middle East, where thousands of our fellow humans, especially children, live in the shadow of war. He renewed his appeal for the establishment of peace.

“We pray to Almighty God for an end to the bloodshed,” said the Patriarch, expressing hope that politicians, through dialogue, would bring an end to the armed conflicts. Speaking specifically about the situation in Syria, he reiterated his support for the ancient Patriarchate of Antioch and expressed his hope that the country’s new leaders would serve all citizens, regardless of their faith, as all are children of the same God.

Concluding his brief address, he shared his joy for the upcoming visit of the Pope to Turkey and wished Merry Christmas to all Christians living in the country and a Happy New Year to all citizens.