Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew received on Thursday the head of the Franciscan Order Massimo Fusarelli, to sign an agreement for the use of the Franciscan church of Santa Maria by the Orthodox Christians in the major Turkish city of Izmir (Smyrna), ANA reports.
The action is “a fraternal gesture requested by Pope Francis as a sign of a common journey.” The decision was signed on Catholic Holy Thursday, “a special date for this gesture of communion,” a statement on the Order’s site said.
The Ecumenical Patriarch conveyed his appreciation of Pope Francis’ response to a request for the use of the 17th-century church. The current church used by the Orthodox in Izmir is dedicated to Saint Fotini but is too small for the community.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: Pvasiliadis
