Patriarch Bartholomew thanks GOC Primate for the support of OCU

Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Ieronymos, Athens. Photo: orthodoxtimes.com

On November 21 in Athens, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople thanked the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens, for supporting the OCU, according to the Orthodox Times.

After the joint liturgy in the Athens Cathedral, Phanar said that he was "with great joy we are among you and among the fraternal Hierarchs and the honorable state officials, bringing the infinite love and blessing of the Mother Church and the grace of the Saints of our spiritual homeland," and thanked the GOC leader for his support "on the major issues of Orthodoxy."

"In fact, sometimes there were clouds hanging over our heads, but they did not cause destructive precipitation, but only rain and euphoria, fruitful dialogue and coexistence on the major issues of Orthodoxy, both in the Holy and Great Synod of Crete and in the Ukrainian autocephaly. In any case, we overcame any problems in our relationships thanks to our strong bond. Your Beatitude, I want you to know you make me happy and you move me with your love to me," said Patriarch Bartholomew.

According to him, during his patriarchal ministry "nothing has been easy, but history called us, and we accepted it humbly, with fear and joy, with attention and prayer. We thank you again and again for the honors and the support to the Church."

The UOJ wrote that the joint Patriarchal and Archbishopric Divine Liturgy of the head of Phanar and the head of the Orthodox Church of Greece took place on November 21 in Athens.

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