The current pilgrimage to Istanbul of a delegation of the Orthodox Church of Romania, led by Patriarch Daniel, started yesterday to last until 2nd June. They are visiting the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and Cappadocia. This pilgrimage is part of a series of initiatives decided by Patriarch Daniel for the year 2009, devoted to the Holy Romanian Synod and the memorial of Saint Basil the Great, archbishop of Caesarea, Cappadocia (379). Yesterday, at Istanbul airport, Patriarch Daniel was welcomed by Metropolitan of France Emanuel and Metropolitan of Sasima Gennadios. Today, Ascension Day (pursuant to the Julian calendar followed by the Churches of the Orient), Patriarchs Bartholomew I and Daniel are celebrating a Holy Liturgy at the Cathedral of Saint George, Istanbul, with all the hierarchs, priests and deacons of the two Churches. Then, Bartholomew and Daniel will leave together, for pilgrimage to Cappadocia.

© SIR