Moscow Patriarch visits Fanar
ISTANBUL (ANA-MPA - A. Kourkoulas) The new Patriarch of Moscow and all Russia Kirill I arrived in Istanbul on Saturday, beginning a tour of visits to other Orthodox Churches by visiting the Ecumenical Patriarchate in Fanar.
The Moscow Patriarch was given an official welcome and a mass was held in the Patriarchate's church of Agios Georgios, while he was received by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in the throne room.
In his welcoming speech, Patriarch Bartholomew underlined the need for unity within the Orthodox Church in order to meet the challenges of the times.
A private meeting between Bartholomew and Kirill followed, and then a dinner given by Patriarch Bartholomew at his apartments in Fanar.
Patriarch Kirill is expected to visit Aghia Sophia and other monuments in Istanbul on Saturday afternoon before returning to Patriarch Bartholomew's residence for an official dinner.
The two Patriarchs will hold a mass together in Agios Georgios Church on Sunday, after which they will both attend a concert by the Sretenskiy or Ypapantis Monastery choir.
During his visit to Turkey, Patriarch Kirill will also pay a visit to Ankara and meet Turkish President Abdullah Gul and Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan.