Constantinople and Albanian Primates undertake joint pilgrimage
The heads of the Constantinople and Albanian Churches began a three-day pilgrimage to the holy sites of the region and met with Turkish authorities.
On May 16, 2026, Patriarch Bartholomew and the Primate of the Albanian Orthodox Church Archbishop Joani arrived in Cappadocia for a three-day pilgrimage, reports the UOJ in Greece.
During the official visit to the authorities, the Ecumenical Patriarch thanked Turkish officials for their assistance in organizing joint divine services at St. Theodore's Church in Malakopi (Derinkuyu) and at the Church of Panagia in Nevşehir. He also noted the warm reception of pilgrims who came from Greece and Istanbul. On the same day, the hierarchs visited the Church of the Holy Cross in the village of Jalela (Cemil), and then went to Sinasos for a ceremonial dinner held in their honor.
Archbishop Joani is accompanied on the trip by the Secretary of the Synod Bishop Ignatius of Amantia and Archdeacon Joani. Before departing for Cappadocia, the Primate of the Albanian Church held an informal meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew in Istanbul. The parties discussed current issues on the church agenda.
As the UOJ reported, the Albanian Archbishop concelebrated at the Phanar with Patriarch Bartholomew. The current trip to Cappadocia continues the line of contacts between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Albanian Orthodox Church, including joint divine services and working meetings at the primates' level.
