The Finnish Ecumenical Council organized a pilgrimage to Turkey on 19–26 May 2025 to mark the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea. The journey focused on historical locations, particularly Nicaea (İznik) and Constantinople (Istanbul), and included participants from various Christian denominations. The pilgrimage was led by Emil Anton, Orthodox Archpriest Heikki Huttunen, and Bishop Raimo Goyarrola.
The pilgrimage culminated on 25 May in an ecumenical liturgy at the main church of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Cathedral of St. George in Constantinople. After the liturgy, Patriarch Bartholomew delivered a welcoming address in which he emphasized the enduring significance of the Council of Nicaea in the pursuit of church unity. He remarked that Christian theology is like a footnote to Nicaea, and that the “spirit of Nicaea” should once again ignite the Christian message in the world.
Bishop Raimo and Archbishop Elia also jointly attended the lunch hosted by Patriarch Bartholomew, as well as ecumenical meetings. The visit reflected the brotherhood among Christians and the shared call to bear witness to the apostolic faith in our time – in the spirit of Nicaea and in the search for unity.
KATT / SEN / ort.fi