His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew offers his dreams and prayers for the Holy and Great Council, meeting in Crete in late June 2016. The Holy and Great Council is the first time in 1200 years that 14 autocephalous Orthodox churches are meeting, with a common desire for strengthened relations and to be a sign of “unity in a world afflicted by conflict and division.”

The Holy and Great Council gathers in Crete in the latter part of June 2016. It is the first time in 1200 years that 14 autocephalous Orthodox churches are meeting. Approximately 500 individuals will be part of this historic gathering, with a common desire to reinforce their relations and address contemporary spiritual and social challenges in the world.