(Photo Courtesy of John Mindala)

ISTANBUL, TURKEY -- Very Rev. Protopresbyter  Michael and Pani Susan Rosco arrived safely in Constantinople on Thursday October 20, 2011, where they travelled to officially represent the Diocese at the twentieth anniversary celebration of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's  election and enthronment as Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople.

 

Upon their arrival, Fr. Michael and Pani Susan, along with  His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, members of the Eparchial Synod of Bishops of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and Archons from America, visited  the Baloukli Monastery. They had the opportunity to pray at the graves of the past Patriarchs, including that of +Athenagoras, the former Archbishop of America. They also descended to the underground Sacred Spring of Zoodochos Peghe, the Holy Spring with the Fish, for Holy Water, where miracles have been recorded.

 
(Photo Courtesy of John Mindala)

Later the pilgrims attended a welcome dinner which was held at the Divan Hotel and attended by His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios and members of the Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, together with Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Throughout the weekend, the pilgrims  will have opportunities to visit the sacred sites of the Holy City as well as take part in Liturgical services at the Patriarchal Cathedral of St. George the Trophy- bearer.   

View Photo Gallery of the travels of the American delegation and the jubilee celebration of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. (Updated Daily)