Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos on Tuesday officiated at a service at the St. Sophia Orthodox Cathedral here on the occasion of the Three Hierarchs' feast day, stressing in a sermon afterwards that parents must ensure a proper educate for their children.

He also referred to everyday problems and difficulties faced by the Istanbul-based Ecumenical Patriarchate and expressed the hope that Turkey's European course will help toward solving these problems.   

The liturgy was also attended, among others, by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, who invited the Patriarch to London to jointly present results of an inter-faith dialogue between the Anglican and Orthodox Churches. Both Christian leaders will declare the dialogue's continuation at a mass at Westminster Abbey. 

Ecumenical Patriarch and Archbishop of Canterbury hold theological dialogue
Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos and Archbishop of Canterbury Dr. Rowan Williams, at a special ceremony at the Archbishopric of the Anglican Church on Tuesday afternoon, received the report of the committee for the theological dialogue between the two Churches.

Both sides expressed themselves positively to the prospect of the continuity of the dialogue, which started 16 years ago.

"Despite the difficulties that exist in certain issues, such as the ordaining of women, both Churches wish for the dialogue to continue," Ecumenical Patriarch Vartholomeos said.

Vartholomeos attended a dinner on Tuesday night hosted by Dr. Williams and on Wednesday, last day of his visit to London, he will attend a luncheon hosted by Greece's ambassador in London, Vassilis Pispinis. In the afternoon, Vartholomeos will meet the Turkish ambassador in London. 

Source: Athens News Agency

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