It was on November 2, 1991 – exactly 32 years ago – that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew ascended the Apostolic and Ecumenical throne of Constantinople, realizing all the heavy responsibility he bears.
The ceremony of his enthronement took place in a crowded patriarchal temple on Phanar. The new patriarch declared his determination to sacrifice his soul for the flock of the Orthodox Church.
At the same time, however, he humbly asked for the prayers of those present at the ceremony, that God would enable him to respond to the high ministry that was just beginning.
Thirty-two years have passed since that historic day, so it is obvious that the prayers of the faithful during his enthronement ceremony were fully answered by God.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visited Mount Athos immediately after his election and enthronement to the Ecumenical throne. Then St. Paisius publicly testified: “God has given us the best patriarch in these difficult years.”
