The story should be updated for 2026, marking the 35th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s election, which took place on October 22, 1991. The original 2020 anniversary message can provide historical context, but it should not be presented as a new statement for this year.
The 2026 update can also include the anniversary liturgy at the Patriarchal Church of St George in Constantinople and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia’s commemorations, giving the article a current news angle rather than simply changing “29th” to “35th.”
Orthodox Observer
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Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Marks 35 Years on the Throne
By Bill Giannopoulos
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has marked 35 years since his election as Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch, commemorating a milestone in a ministry shaped by Orthodox unity, interfaith dialogue and environmental protection.
Elected on October 22, 1991, Patriarch Bartholomew has led the Ecumenical Patriarchate for more than three decades, becoming one of the most prominent voices in the Orthodox Christian world.
The anniversary was marked on Thursday, October 22, 2026, with a Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at the historic Church of St George at the Phanar in Constantinople.
The service was presided over by the Ecumenical Patriarch, with Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and other hierarchs concelebrating. Clergy and faithful from the United States, Australia, Europe and other regions attended the celebrations.
The liturgy followed Great Vespers held the previous evening as part of the anniversary programme. https://orthodoxtimes.com/patriarchal-divine-liturgy-marking-the-35th-anniversary-of-the-election-of-the-ecumenical-patriarch-live/“>Read more about the anniversary liturgy.
A ministry focused on dialogue and the environment
Throughout his patriarchal ministry, Bartholomew has become widely recognised for promoting dialogue between Christian churches and other religious traditions, while drawing attention to environmental protection as a spiritual and moral responsibility.
His work has also addressed peace, religious freedom, human rights and the plight of refugees.
In a 2020 anniversary message, Nikos Papachristou, then Director of the Press and Communication Office of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, highlighted the Patriarch’s contribution to inter Christian and interreligious dialogue, environmental awareness and social issues.
Papachristou also called for God to grant the Patriarch strength and health to continue his service to the Church and humanity.
The message reflected themes that have remained central to Bartholomew’s public ministry throughout his time on the Ecumenical Throne.
Australia honours the Ecumenical Patriarch
The 35th anniversary has particular significance for Greek Orthodox communities in Australia.
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia designated 2026 the “Year of Patriarch Bartholomew”, with commemorative activities planned across the country.
Around 250 pilgrims from Australia travelled to Constantinople for the anniversary celebrations, taking part in events honouring the Patriarch’s life and ministry.
A special commemorative event was also organised for October 22 by the Archdiocese’s Holy Eparchial Synod at the Grand Cevahir Hotel and Convention Centre in Istanbul. The programme highlighted Bartholomew’s contribution to Orthodox tradition, inter Christian dialogue, peace and environmental protection.
The celebrations underscored the close spiritual ties between the Greek Orthodox faithful in Australia and the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
From Imbros to the Ecumenical Throne
Born Dimitrios Archondonis on February 29, 1940, on the island of Imbros, now part of Türkiye, Bartholomew studied at the Theological School of Halki before pursuing further studies in Rome, Switzerland and Germany.
He was ordained a deacon in 1961 and a priest in 1969. In 1973, he became Metropolitan of Philadelphia.
On October 22, 1991, he was elected Ecumenical Patriarch by the Holy and Sacred Synod. His enthronement followed on November 2, 1991.
As Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch, he occupies the historic first throne of the Orthodox Church, serving as a spiritual leader for Orthodox Christians around the world.
A continuing call to protect creation
Environmental protection has become one of the defining themes of Bartholomew’s ministry. He has repeatedly urged individuals, governments and religious communities to recognise the moral responsibilities associated with caring for the natural world.
His emphasis on the spiritual dimensions of environmental responsibility was also recognised by Pope Francis in the 2015 encyclical Laudato si’, which highlighted the Patriarch’s calls for humanity to reconsider consumerism, waste and its relationship with creation.
As the Ecumenical Patriarchate commemorates 35 years of Bartholomew’s leadership, his anniversary provides an opportunity for Orthodox Christians worldwide to reflect on his longstanding emphasis on faith, dialogue, unity and stewardship of the environment.
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