June 26, 2014
Metropolitan Ioannis of Pergamo
Orthodox
Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople has sent a
delegate of Orthodox prelates to Rome to join with Pope
Francis in celebrating the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul
on June 29.
For years the Ecumenical Patriarchate has sent a delegation to the Vatican for the patronal feast of Rome, and the Holy See in turn has sent a delegation to Constantinople for the feast of St. Andrew, the patron of that see.
Metropolitan Ioannis of Pergamo, the co-chairman of a joint Catholic-Orthodox commission for theological dialogue, heads this year’s Orthodox delegation. The group will meet with the Pope in a private audience on June 28, and have discussions with the Pontifical Council for Christian Unity during their visit.