His Holiness the Pope at the Phanar

Here’s a photopost of the Pope’s trip to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Phanar on Wed.

Click on the photos for bigger versions.

Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople personally welcomed His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at the airport in Istanbul, old Constantinople and formerly Byzantium.

The Pope was welcomed by a gift of flowers.

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI was officially welcomed by Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople amidst the festal pealing of bells and was followed by a Doxology in the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George.

His Holiness lighted a candle at the entrance of the Cathedral.

The Pope and Patriarch were preceded by deacons swinging thuribles.

Speeches of welcome were exchanged. First by the Patriarch, then the Pope.

There was also a joint prayer service. His Holiness, in choir with the ermine trimmed velvet mozetta, was vested with a stole.

The Pope and Patriarch then jointly imparted the benediction.
Before proceeding to the Throne Room, the Pope and Patriarch venerated the relics of Sts Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, former Archbishops of Constantinople which were graciously returned by His Holiness Pope John Paul II of blessed memory. After that the Patriarch also introduced the Pope to the hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne.

Some idle chit chat followed. Then Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Benedict XVI met privately to discuss issues regarding Orthodox and Roman Catholic relations, including interreligious dialogue, world peace and mutual understanding.

The Pope then left the Phanar again to the festive pealing of bells in the hope of returning the next day for the Feast of St. Andrew, Patron of the Church of Constantinople.

All photos courtesy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate (www.patriarchate.org) and N. Manginas.

You can access them directly here or by clicking the thumbnails below:

Photos: Pope Benedict XVI Arrives at the Phanar

Wednesday, November 29, 2006

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