Plans are underway for a historic journey later this year, as Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew prepare to commemorate the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea. The pilgrimage, tentatively scheduled for late November, is expected to coincide with the Feast of St. Andrew on November 30 — an important patronal feast for the Church of Constantinople.
This historic anniversary marks not just a moment of remembrance, but a shared testimony of faith. The First Council of Nicaea, held in 325, was a turning point in Christian history, uniting bishops from across the Roman Empire in defense of the doctrine of Christ’s divinity. It also gave us the Creed recited by Christians around the world today.
The upcoming joint pilgrimage signals a renewed commitment to Christian unity.
Orthodox Times explains how, at a recent Divine Liturgy in Constantinople, Patriarch Bartholomew offered a powerful reflection, linking the past to the present:
“We glorify the God of love who has deemed us worthy to solemnly celebrate the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council held in Nicaea. We rejoice that together with the successor of the late Pope Francis of Rome – Pope Leo XIV – we will travel to Nicaea to commemorate this historic anniversary. The new Pope will also visit the See of the Church of Constantinople on its patronal feast day. We pray and labor that the unity of our Churches may be continually renewed, for the glory of God and the increase of divine knowledge.”
Preparations for the journey come amid an encouraging season of dialogue between the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
Growing together
In May, Pope Leo welcomed Patriarch Bartholomew to the Vatican, where both leaders expressed their hope for a closer witness in service of the Gospel.
Just weeks later, the Vatican hosted a symposium on Nicaea, where Pope Leo described the Council as “a compass” for navigating the shared challenges of the modern world.
The decision to anchor this pilgrimage around the Feast of St. Andrew is especially poignant. St. Andrew, honored as the “First-Called” of the apostles, is both the patron of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and a symbol of apostolic fraternity. His feast traditionally draws high-level Catholic delegations to Constantinople — this year, it will bring the Bishop of Rome himself.
Act of unity
More than a ceremonial visit, the journey to Nicaea is poised to be a visible act of unity. It speaks to the longing shared by many faithful: that the wounds of division may someday be healed, and that what began in Nicaea might once again guide the Church toward communion, truth, and peace.
As planning continues, the world’s attention turns toward November. In the ancient city where bishops once gathered to proclaim their faith, two successors to the apostles will stand side by side — bearing witness not only to shared roots, but to a shared future.
