Most of John’s relics were looted from Constantinople by crusaders in 1204 and taken to Rome, but some of his bones were returned to the Orthodox Church on 27 November 2004 by Pope John Paul II. Since 2004 the relics have been enshrined in the Church of St. George, Istanbul.
Tag: Reconciliation
Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Messinia calls the joint declaration of Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Leo XIV a historic moment of peace and a sign of Christian unity.
In a move to restore peace at the Holy Monastery of Sinai, Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem has announced the Patriarchate’s intervention. Responding to Archbishop Kyrillos Damianos’ appeal, a three-member delegation will mediate to resolve the ongoing dispute among the monks, emphasizing reconciliation and the spiritual authority of the Orthodox Church.
Greece has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on the Greek Orthodox Church of Prophet Elias in Damascus, calling for justice, religious tolerance, and the protection of Syria’s diverse communities. Speaking at the United Nations, Ambassador Evangelos Sekeris stressed the need for reconciliation and long-term peace, describing the attack as an assault on all Syrians and their shared future.
Former Greek Prime Minister George Papandreou has been unanimously elected president of the International Olympic Truce Centre (IOTC) for a four-year term, succeeding Thomas Bach. The decision, made on June 5, 2025, during the IOTC’s annual board meeting, marks a new chapter for the Centre, which promotes peace and Olympic values globally. Papandreou, a long-time advocate for the Olympic Truce, aims to foster reconciliation and unity through sport and culture amidst today’s global challenges.
In a surprising development, Turkey appears to be opening its ports of Istanbul, Izmir, and Mersin to Cypriot ships after 38 years of restricted access, according to a report by The News. The move, linked to pressures from the European Union, has sparked debate over whether it signals genuine reconciliation or a tactical maneuver amid the unresolved Cyprus conflict.
Forgiveness Sunday, occurring just before Great Lent in the Greek Orthodox Church, emphasizes themes of repentance and reconciliation. It recalls Adam and Eve’s exile from Eden and highlights the importance of seeking forgiveness from God and one another. Through the Divine Liturgy and the Vespers of Forgiveness, believers are encouraged to embark on Lent’s spiritual journey as a community unified in faith and love.
The funeral of Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania was held in Tirana, with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presiding over the ceremony. Dignitaries from Greece and Albania, including Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, attended to pay their respects. Anastasios was hailed as a visionary leader who revitalized the Orthodox Church in Albania, fostering interfaith dialogue and strengthening ties between Greece and Albania.
Most of John’s relics were looted from Constantinople by crusaders in 1204 and taken to Rome, but some of his bones were returned to the Orthodox Church on 27 November 2004 by Pope John Paul II. Since 2004 the relics have been enshrined in the Church of St. George, Istanbul.
The award-winning film *Gomsu* explores the themes of memory and resilience in post-invasion Cyprus, focusing on a Turkish Cypriot woman’s longing for her Greek Cypriot neighbor. The film, utilizing the tradition of leaving flowers as a symbol of peace and reconciliation, will be screened at the Cyprus High Commission in London on December 4.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew congratulated Donald Trump on his 2024 re-election as US President, offering prayers for wisdom and compassion in his leadership and reaffirming the Patriarchate’s commitment to interfaith dialogue and peace.
German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the village of Kandanos in Crete to formally apologise for Nazi atrocities committed there during World War II. Speaking in Greek, Steinmeier sought forgiveness on behalf of Germany, acknowledging the brutality inflicted and the need for lasting remembrance. His visit, which included laying a wreath and meeting with survivors, has renewed calls for dialogue on reparations, a subject raised by Kandanos’ mayor as essential to Greek-German reconciliation.
Tennis power couple Stefanos Tsitsipas, Paula Badosa ‘together’ again after recent split: Greek star Stefanos…
Today Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will welcome Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Ankara,…
Paula Badosa and Stefanos Tsitsipas have announced their split, citing timing as a factor. Despite their breakup, Badosa expressed hope for a future reconciliation, saying, “Every relationship is different… I’m not saying that’s what will happen here, but I’m not ruling it out.”
Billionaire Roosters chairman Nick Politis and casino mogul James Packer have reportedly put an end…
Tennis stars Nick Kyrgios and Stefanos Tsitsipas, who clashed during the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, seem…
