CONSTANTINOPLE, 30 NOVEMBER 2002.

VISIT OF THE I.A.O SECRETARIAT TO THE ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE.

The IAO chose the Throne celebration of the First called Apostle Andreas on November 30 in order to make an official visit to the First-throne Patriarch ate in Constantinople and His All Holiness The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The memory of St. Andreas, founder of the Church of Constantinople, is honored with particular splendor and with the presence of a delegation from the Church of Rome.

The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the delegation of IAO Secretariat upon their visit to Constantinople.

The IAO delegation consisting of the President of the General Assembly, deputy from Russia, Mr. V. Zorkaltsev and the Secretary General, deputy from Greece, Mr. S. Papathemelis along with the Alternate Secretary, deputy, Mr. N. Katsaros, visited His All Holiness The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and conversed with him for more than one hour. His All Holiness expressed his satisfaction for the work the IAO carries out and his fatherly interest for the activities the Secretariat is preparing for the future. The delegation, in which the advisors of the Secretariat, Mr. V. Alexeev and Mr. K. Mygdalis, participated as well, observed the Patriarch ate Divine Liturgy and had the opportunity to meet with visitors, who participated in the festivities.