250 Australian pilgrims arrive in Constantinople to mark Ecumenical Patriarch’s 35th anniversary

Key points

• A group of 250 pilgrims from Australia has arrived in Constantinople, also known as Istanbul, to join celebrations marking 35 years since Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was elected. Archbishop Makarios of Australia met the group at the airport on behalf of the Patriarch, who is currently visiting Bulgaria.
• The pilgrims will take part in a series of anniversary events, including a special event on Thursday, 22 October, honouring the Patriarch's 35 years of service.
• Archbishop Makarios thanked the group for responding to the invitation from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia.