For four days (31 August - September 3, 2024), His Eminence Metropolitan Antony and Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA along with over 100 Orthodox Metropolitans and Archbishops of the Ecumenical Patriarchate from all over the world gathered in Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey) in order to participate in a Synaxis (Assembly) of the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Patriarchate convened upon the invitation and under the Presidency of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. 

On September 1, 2024, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy of the Feast of the New Indiction at the Venerable Patriarchal Church of St. George in Phanar, Istanbul, Türkiye.

After offering a blessing over the upcoming year, His All-Holiness signed the Act of the New Indiction, officially signifying the beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year. His Eminence Metropolitan Antony, the Prime Hierarch of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA and Diapsora, Archbishop Jeremiah of the Ukrainian Orthodox Eparchy of South America and Archbishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA signed alongside His All-Holiness, as did all present Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne.

After signing the Act of the New Indiction, the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne proceeded to the nearby, recently-renovated Patriarchal Maraslion School for its official inauguration ceremony. As benefactors of the restoration, Archons George Marcus and Peter Palivos were honored, and hierarchs were offered a tour of the building, which will house various ministries of the Mother Church. For example, from August 29-31, the school hosted its first conference, the Ecumenical Patriarchate's Halki Summit VI.

Later in the evening, the Commencement of the Holy Synaxis of the Hierarchy of the Ecumenical Throne took place in Istanbul, Türkiye. As the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne gathered at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, they appreciated the company of their fellow clergymen, making new connections, reuniting with seminary classmates, and engaging in spirited conversation.

The Holy Synaxis of the Hierarchy was officially opened at the Inaugural Service of the Holy Synaxis, which His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew held with the V. Rev. Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, the V. Rev. Grand Syncellus Iakovos (Krochak), and Patriarchal Deacons Barnabas Grigoriadis and Evlogios Tsatsas.

Following the service, His All-Holiness offered an introductory speech, which the Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne met with approval and reverence, and His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon offered his own message in response.

The Synaxis of Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne, taking place in Istanbul, Türkiye from September 1-3, will continue on September 2-3, 2024 with presentations from hierarchs on topics of critical importance to the global Eastern Orthodox Church, including inter-Orthodox and inter-Christian relations, canonical and liturgical issues, and the church’s relationship to geopolitical issues.

Source: Orthodox Observer

Photos by Dimitrios Panagos and Eduardo Mourov