Visitas pastorais de S. S. Bartolomeu I, Patriarca Ecumênico, a diversas partes do mundo, e eventos diversos celebrados na Sé Patriarcal de Constantinopla, durante no ano de 2005.

Legendas:

1. The feast of the Epiphany was celebrated with magnificence and reverence at the Phanar, the see of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The ceremony of the immersion of the Holy Cross was conducted by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, in the presence of the former President of the Hellenic Parliament Aposlolos Kaklamanis PASOK MP, and the Secretary General of New Democracy Evangelos Meimarakis, MP who represented their political parties. The ceremony was also attended by Hierarchs and a crowd of faithful. (6 January 2005).
2. "That the relations of the three neighbouring countries, Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria be always friendly and harmonious", wished Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during his pastoral visit to the Bulgarian church of St George (right) in Edirne (Adrianoupolis), where the Consuls of Greece and Bulgaria, and other officials were present. On the occasion of the New Year, the Patriarch organized an excursion to the historic city of Adrianoupolis for students from the Greek schools of Istanbul, as well as for young workers and teachers. (16 January 2005).
3. The eight members of the European Parliament from, the PASOK party, who visited the Phanar, assured the Ecumenical Patriarch of their incessant support. They also reinstated the support from the European Parliament to the institution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. (22 January 2005).
4. On the occasion of the end of the celebrations for the 550 years since the founding of the Great Patriarchal School of the Nation, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew addressed the participants of the ceremony, which was organized at the School. Also present were the Education Ministers of Turkey Hüseyin Çelik and Greece Marietta Yiannakou, the School Master N. Mavrakis, many other officials and people. (30 January 2005).
5. The President of the Democratic Alert Party of Cyprus Nikos Anastasiades visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Patriarch Bartholomew addressed the President and stressed: "We continue all the customs that we have inherited from, our fathers, we continue our history, our existence, our Christian witness, never moving away from duty". The President pointed out: "lam aware of the sufferings of the Greeks of Istanbul, when rue chose to make slogans as a patriotic act instead of a prudent attitude". (13 February 2005).
6. the Sunday of Orthodoxy was celebrated with reverence and traditional magnificence at the Phanar. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy and Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne participated. The conclusion of the Divine Liturgy was followed by a procession of the icons and a blessing of the faithful by the Patriarch. Amongst those present were the Minister of Macedonia-Thrace N. Tsiartsionis, representing the Hellenic Government, the former Minister of National Education and Religions P. Efthymiou, other officials and many faithful. (20 March 2005) An artistic musical event was organized in Istanbul by the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the Sunday of Orthodoxy with a concert by the famous artist Glykeria. In his speech, Patriarch Bartholomew referred to the artist and her musicians, stressing their artistic and didactic contribution to the Hellenic Musical Tradition. (20 March 2005)
7. An artistic musical event was organized in Istanbul by the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the Sunday of Orthodoxy with a concert by the famous artist Glykeria. In his speech, Patriarch Bartholomew referred to the artist and her musicians, stressing their artistic and didactic contribution to the Hellenic Musical Tradition. (20 March 2005)
8. After the conclusion of the funeral mass of Pope John Paul II, the Dean of the College of Cardinals, Joseph Ratzinger, who was later elected as successor Pope to the Throne of Rome as Benedict XVI, talks with the Ecumenical Patriarch and thanks him for his presence at the funeral ceremony. (8 April 2005)
9. German Chancellor Gerhard Schweder visited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar. During the meeting, which was held in a cordial atmosphere, the problems of the Patriarchate and the Greek minority in Turkey were discussed. In a press conference held at Ankara, the German Chancellor had underlined the importance that he gives to the strengthening of religious freedom and minority rights. (4 May 2005)
10. At Imvros island (Gökçeada), Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria at the desecrated chapel of Panagia Argalara in Kardamos. (May 2005)
11. On the Sunday of the Myrrh Bearers, the Ecumenical Patriarch held the annual visit and blessing lo the elderly of the Greek Community of Istanbul at the Baloukli Gereatric Hospital. The traditional cracking of the Easter eggs was joined by Patriarch Theodore of Alexandria. The founding of the, Baloukli Hospital dates back to 1753. (15 May 2005)
12. the Synod of the Primates of the local Autocephalous Churches and their Representatives (with the exception of te Churches of Serbia, Bulgaria, the Czech Lands and Slovakia that could not be represented) was convened at the Holy Patriarchal Church of St George at the Phanar, in response to an invitation by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The purpose of the Synod was to examine the issue of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Following consultations and given the refusal of Patriarch Irineus to resign at his own will, the Synod, decided to delete his name from the Orthodox Diptychs. (24 May 2005)
13. Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece and the Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece Fanayiotis Skandalakis joined in the name day events of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar. (11 June 2005)
14. Issues of concern to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek Community of Istanbul were discussed by the President of P.A.S.O.K. Party George Papandreou during his meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar. The President stated that "The existence of the Centre of Orthodox Christians in a Muslim state, is for Turkey, for Europe and the entire world an advantage". (1 July 2005)
15. At the church of Sts Constantine and Helen in Sinasos of Cappadocia, Ecumenical. Patriarch Bartholomew officiated at the Divine Liturgy. Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Eleflheroupolis and Bishop Makarios of Lampsakos co-officiated. Also present were the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin Martin Diarmuid, invited by the Patriarch, the President of all Sinasiots Spyros Isopoulos from Athens, other officials and many pilgrims from Istanbul and Greece. (3 July 2005)
16. Pilgrimage at the stone monasteries of Cappadocia. The Patriarch admires a chapel carved in a rock, decorated with frescoes, in the area of Aravissos (Gülşehir), at Nevşehir Prefecture. (4 July 2005)
17. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited Brussels in response to an invitation by the President of the European Commission Manuel Barroso. During their meeting, the Patriarch and the President discussed the significance and process of the Dialogue of monotheistic Religions, which is promoted by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in collaboration with the European Commission. In addition, the President requested information about the process of issues of concern to the. Patriarchate and the minorities in Turkey. (12 July 2005)
18. At the centre of the European Commission in Brussels, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met with the President of the European Parliament Joseph Borell. The President referred to various issues of concern to the European Parliament, expressing his joy and satisfaction for the initiatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate with regard to the Inter-religious dialogue, the protection of the environment among others. (12 July 2005)
19. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew attended in Brussels a working lunch with four European Commissioners: Olli Rehn -former Finnish Prime Minister and EU Commissioner on Enlargement, Jan Figel - EU Commissioner on Education, Stavros Dimas - EU Commissioner on Environment and Markos Kyprianou - EU Commissioner on Health and Consumer Protection. The Advisor on religions affairs to the President of the European Commission Michael Weninger (left), who participated at the meeting, stressed that the convention of four Commissioners with the Patriarch is an occasion of historic proportions. (13 July 2005)
20. The world renowned actor Sean Connery met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Holy Trinity Monastery, on Halki Island (Heybeliada). Connery visited Istanbul four decades after his first visit which had taken place when filming scenes for one of the "James Bond 007" movies. The famous actor and his wife were pleased to meet, the Patriarch and enjoyed a private tour of the Theological School. The Scottish born actor expressed his admiration for the excellent condition of the School, despite the fact that its operation had ceased for 34 years. (23 July 2005)
21. The door opening ceremony of the renovated church of St Nicholas at Halki was celebrated by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Referring to this event, the Patriarch stressed that: "It is part of our general effort to maintain and renovate the churches and other commonwealth foundations of the Greek Community. Because, we believe that 'we are not finished', in contrast to what others think about us. We believe that -we still have a future". The cost of the renovation works was undertaken by the ship-owner Georgios Gyftakis. Also present were Metropolitan Iakovos of the Princess Islands, the General Consul of Greece Alexis Alexandria, Hierarchs and many faithful and. pilgrims from Greece. (23July 2005)
22. The commencement of the children’s camps of the Greek Community of Istanbul was proclaimed by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Monastery of the Divine Transfiguration on the island of Proti. In his speech, the Patriarch referred to the fact that the General Secretariat of the Vakif (Foundations) did not approve permission for the opening of the camps and stressed that "our Patriarchate claims its rights from the Slate and the Slate does not have the right to oppress and be unjust to its citizens. We are not foreigners to this land". (29 July 2005)
23. Enthusiastic welcome of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Edessa (Northern Greece). The Patriarch was accompanied by Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, Metropolitan Joel of Edessa, the Minister of Macedonia-Thrace N. Tsiartsionis, hierarchs, the Prefect of Pella P. Savenas, the Mayor I. Sondras and other officials. The Patriarch was welcomed by thousands of people from Edessa. The representatives from the local authorities expressed their gratitude for the role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate during the course of the centuries and today in presenting the Ecclesiastical and. National identity of Macedonian land and also in our present days. (13 September 2005)
24. On the occasion of the new school year, the Patriarch celebrated a water-blessing ceremony for the students of Edessa. The students from all schools gathered at the Stadium of the city. (15 September 2005)
25. In Florina (Northern Greece), as in all other cities of Central and Western Macedonia, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was cordially welcomed by Metropolitan Theoklitos of Florina, Prespa and Eordaia, the Prefect of Florina Ioannis Stratakis, the Mayor Stefanos Papanastasiou, other officials and thousands of people, in his address to the Patriarch, the Prefect said: "We endorse with unlimited trust Your person and Your work at the historic centre of Ecumenical Orthodoxy, the City of Cities". (16 September 2005)
26. At Lake Mikri Prespa, in Northern Greece, Patriarch Bartholomew walks on the bridge towards the small island of Hagios Achillios. He also visited by boat the lake of Megali Prespa, which constitutes one of the most significant protected natural habitats in the world and the only transboundary protected area in the Balkans. (19 September 2005)
27. At the Prespa Lakes, Northern Greece, at the Byzantine church of St Achillios, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece are surrounded, by the Prefect of Florina, Hierarchs and Clerics from the Ecumenical Throne and the Church of Greece. This admirable church of the 10th century is a tripartite basilica with a narthex, one of the largest in Greece. (19 September 2005)
28. In Athens, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met with the Greek Prime Minister K. Karamanlis, who assured the Primate of Orthodoxy of the unremitting concern of the Greek State for the issues concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek Community of Istanbul. (21 September 2005)
29. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was pronounced Honourary Doctor of the Department of Psychology of Panteion University. The multi-faceted spiritual work of the Patriarch was extolled by Dean Stamos Papastamou, Vice-Dean Fotini Tsalikoglou. Present were Archbishop Christodoulos of Athens and All Greece, fanner Prime Minister K. Simitis, Hierarchs, other officials and many others. (21 September 2005)
30. "You have come like a rainbow". In these words, the President of the Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias welcomed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Presidential House, since the sun emerged from beneath the clouds upon his arrived. Following their private meeting, the President offered. a luncheon in honour of the Patriarch. In his address, the President referred, among other things, to the need for recognition, and respect of the rights of the Patriarchate in the country where it is based. The Patriarch stressed that: "the services offered by the Patriarchate to the Greek Community around the globe are services of spiritual infrastructure and resistance against the assimilating whirlwind of our times". (22 September 2005)
31. With a unanimous decision, the Assembly of the Bar Associations of Greece honoured the personality and, multidimensional work of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during a special panegyric ceremony at the Senate Assembly Hall of the Old Parliament in Athens. In his address, the President of the Assembly of Presidents of Greek Bar Associations Dimitris Paxinos developed the multifarious work of Patriarch Bartholomew. Also, expressing the devotion of lawyers to the person of the Primate of Orthodoxy, he offered the Patriarch the "Konstantinos Armenopoulos", of Archon Nomophylax (Law keeper), author of "Hexabiblos" during the peak of Byzantine period (1350). (22 September 2005)
32. A delegation of the Italian Parliament honoured Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul. Carlo Giovanardi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister, offered to the Patriarch a honourary plaque by the Italian Parliament. The intra-parliamentary delegation was composed of G. Selva, President of the Commission for External Affairs of the Italian Parliament, G. Bianco, Member of the European Parliament and 42 Members of Parliament with their assistants. They were accompanied by Auxiliary Bishop of Rome Rino Fisichella, Dean of the Lateranum University. (26 September 2005)
33. At the Phanar, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met with Karen Hughes, Deputy Secretary of State of the USA, also responsible for Public Diplomacy, who visited Istanbul as envoy of US President George Bush. They discussed issues of concern to the Patriarchate and, the Greek Community, as well as the importance of religious freedom. (29 September 2005)
34. Issues of concern lo Orthodoxy and Europe were discussed by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the President of Romania Traian Basescu, during his visit lo the Phanar. The Romanian President stressed that: "We agreed that the religions, Orthodoxy, Catholicism, Islam, Buddhism, have a very important role to fulfill for peace aiming the nations. Because the churches enjoy more credibility than politicians''. (29 September 2005)
35. Following a unanimous resolution, the Prefectural Council of Thessaloniki visited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar. The Patriarch stressed that "we are moved and always feel strengthened by the fact that all Greek politicians and municipal officials, regardless of political convictions, express and declare the same feelings and honour towards the Centre of Orthodoxy, the Ecumenical Patriarchate". (29 September 2005)
36. The Romanian General Federation of Industries visited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar. Its President, Dr loan Cezar Coraci and its members received the Patriarchs blessing and expressed their gratitude for his incessant interest in the Orthodox Romanian people and the harmonious long lasting and intimate relations between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Romanian Church. (30 September 2005)
37. On the occasion of the new school year 2005-2006, the Professors of the Zografeion Lyceum of Istanbul, led by its Master Ioannis Demirtzoglou, visited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and received his blessings for a, fruitful school year, to the benefit of the education system of the Greek Community. (1 October 2005)
38. The President of the Austrian Parliament Andreas Khol visited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar and had a cordial and interesting discussion regarding ecclesiastical issues and religious freedoms. The President has studied. Church Canon Law and is actively interested in the relations between the Orthodox and the Roman Catholics. He even describes himself as an "Orthodox of the West and a Roman Catholic of the East". (5 October 2005)
39. A Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the church of St Theodore in Malakopi (Derinkuyu) of Cappadocia, on the occasion of the organization of a psychiatric conference with the participation of doctors from all over Greece. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew officiated and, in his address he stressed: "In this Divine Liturgy dedicated to St Theodore, surrounded by clouds of martyrs and other fathers and sisters that lived in the area, we celebrated the Mass and were blessed, accompanied by the co-officiating birds of the skies. When we leave, they will stay and continue, in our name, to bless the name of the Triune God. of our fathers". (15 October 2005)
40. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew offered an official lunch to the welfare society of Istanbul, which gives shelter to outcast children. The lunch (iftar), token of true concern and, affection, was held in the framework of the Islamic fast during the Ramadan period. (October 2005)
41. The professors and the Lyceum Master of the Patriarchal Great School of the Nation Nikos Mavrakis visited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on the occasion of the commencement of the new school year. They received the blessing and wishes of the Patriarch for a. creative and prosperous school year for the students of Istanbul. (18 October 2005)
42. The Ninth Dialogue between the Orthodox Church and the Group of the European Peoples Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats took place m Istanbul on 20-21 October 2005. The theme was "Foundations for European Solidarity and Cooperation: Making Enlargement Possible." Representatives of Christianity, Islam and Judaism were present at the invitation of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. This conference supported the desire among the peoples of south east Europe to enter the European Union. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew delivered the opening prayer and address at the 9lh Dialogue. To the light of the Patriarch are Hans-Gert Poettering, President of the EEP, Ivo Sanade, the Prime Minister of Croatia, and others. Among the participants in the dialogue were the Greek Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Marietta Giannakou, MEPs, university professors and others. (20 October 2005)
43. At Lambeth Palace in London, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met with the Anglican Primate Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams. They discussed issues concerning the dialogue between Orthodoxy and the Anglican Church. Present at the discussion were Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira and Great Britain, Metropolitan John of Pergamon and Bishop Bartholomew of Arianzos. (3 November 2005)
44. "The Ecumenical Patriarchate can play a significant role in the continuously developing Europe, become a bridge between Europe and Islam ". These points were stressed by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in a speech delivered at the London School of Economics (LSE), invited by the London Hellenic Society. The topic of his address was the role of religion in a continuously changing Europe. (3 November 2005)
45. The meeting of the recipients of the. Binding Foundation Award for nature and environmental protection within the past 20 years, Ecumenical Patriarch. Bartholomew being one of them was held at the Principate of Lichtenstein. During the award ceremony, in December 2002, the President of the Foundation, Peter Goop, had stressed that the Patriarch is dedicated to ecological issues. The work of the twenty award recipients was presented in filmed interviews with them, at the ceremony hall of the Gymnasium of Vaduz, Lichtenstein, in the presence of many officials and people. The Patriarch also had a meeting and cordial discussion with the Prime Minister of the Principate Otmar Hosier. (5 November 2005)
46. The international Inter-Religious Conference "Peace and Tolerance II" was held in Istanbul between 7-9 November 2005, under the auspices of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the European Commission, in collaboration with the 'Appeal of Conscience Foundation" of New York. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew delivered the opening address, in the presence of Professor Ali Bardakoğlu, President of the Commission of Religious Affairs of Turkey, the Patriarchs Theodore of Alexandria and Elias of Georgia, Archbishop Anastasios of Albania, other representatives of Orthodox and Christian Churches, Cardinal Walter Kasper, the Greek Minister of Education and Religious Affairs Marietta Yiannakou, Rabbi. Arthur Schneier, President of the "Appeal of Conscience Foundation", Muslim and Jewish representatives, Diplomats, Professors, etc. (7 November 2005)
47. The President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe Rene van der Linden visited Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar. During their meeting, the discussion revolved around issues of religious freedom and the rights of minorities. The President announced that religious freedom does not constitute a threat but a true cornerstone of Democracy. lie also stressed the meetings between religious leaders can contribute in a. much better than politicians way, since they represent the citizens and promote tolerance, respect, dialogue, mutual understanding and peace. (12 November 2005)
48. An international conference on Islam in a pluralist world was organized, in Vienna. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew participated in the Conference, in. response to an invitation by the Austrian Government and delivered an address on "Cultures in conflict and dialogue". The Patriarch with the President of Austria Dr. Heinz Fischer. (16 November 2005).
49. The Feast Day of the Throne of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was celebrated with a Divine Liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of St George in the Phanar. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew officiated, in the presence of a delegation, from the Church of Rome presided by Cardinal Walter Kasper, President of the Pontifical Council for the promotion of Christian Unity. Also present were Patriarch Mesrob of the Armenians in Turkey, other officials and many faithful. The Patriarch and the Cardinal exchanged addresses. The Roman Catholic Cardinal handed, to the Patriarch a letter from Pope Benedict XVI. The Government of Greece was represented by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs P. Skandalakis. (30 November 2005)
50. The International organization «Religions for Peace» held its meeting of the international trustees in Istanbul between 2-3 December 2005. Its General Secretary Dr William F. Vendley and the participants met with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Phanar. The conference was also attended by the US Senator D. Feinstein, the former US Member of Congress J. Brademas, the Jordanian Prince Rashid El Hasan, representatives of Christian Churches, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, as well as Presidents and representatives from international companies, such as Eleni Tsakopoulos - Kounalakis. The organisation is based in New York. (3 December 2005)

Fonte:

Site ofocial do Patriarcado Ecumênico de Constantinopla
Τhe pictures of Nicolas Manginas are from the pastoral visits of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew around the world as well as from various events at the see of the patriarchate during 2005. English translation: Theodota Nantsou.