On Sunday, 8 December 2024, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew conducted the inauguration of the Roman Catholic Church of Santa Maria, which was granted to the Orthodox Community of Smyrna by His Holiness Pope Francis for the needs of Orthodox Christians. This Church will now be the Holy Cathedral of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
His All-Holiness officiated from the throne during the Divine Liturgy which took place in the presence of representatives of the Roman Catholic Church, including a three-member delegation from the Franciscan Order, to which the Church belongs.
The Patriarch was addressed by the local Shepherd, His Eminence Metropolitan Bartholomew of Smyrna, after which His All-Holiness responded appropriately.
