“We await the Pope’s visit with brotherly love. It will be important for our nation and Catholic-Orthodox relations”, said the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, commenting on his forthcoming meeting with Benedict XVI. The detailed programme of the meeting is given by the website of the Patriarchate. On 29 November the Pope will be received by Bartholomew I and participate in a “doxology of peace” in St. George’s Cathedral, including the veneration of the relics of St. Gregory the theologian and St. John Chrysostom, followed by a private meeting between the two spiritual leaders. On 30 November, again in the ecumenical cathedral, Benedict XVI will participate in a “divine liturgy” with official speeches, exchange of the gift of peace and blessing of the congregation. After the liturgy, a “joint declaration of ecumenical solidarity” will be read out and signed. Benedict XVI will return to the Vatican on 1st December after having received Bartholomew in the Catholic cathedral of the Holy Spirit.
