Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Spring of the Virgin Mary of Blachernae on Friday, August 7, 2026, marking the 1,400th anniversary of the first chanting of the Akathist Hymn at the historic site.
In his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch said that hearing the Akathist Hymn at Blachernae, where it was first chanted exactly 1,400 years ago, “transports us to other realms” and deepens the awareness of the Christian presence in “this blessed land of our Fathers, despite the ravages of time and the changing circumstances.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch recalled the miraculous deliverance of Constantinople from the Avar siege on the night of August 6–7, 626. In gratitude to the Most Holy Theotokos, the people of the City stood and chanted the hymn that would become known as the Akathist and remain throughout the centuries “a living testimony of faith.” As he stressed, Constantinople was saved “not through the power of weapons, but through the grace and protection of the Theotokos.”
The Ecumenical Patriarch noted that the anniversary was not merely a commemoration of a historic event, but a celebration of the unceasing presence of the Theotokos in the life of the Church. Referring to the Christian community of Constantinople, he declared that “history is judged not by strength in numbers, but by steadfastness in faith.” Just as their ancestors had faced danger through prayer and vigilance rather than despair, Christians today are called to remain watchful in faith, hope and love amid wars, divisions and uncertainty.
The Ecumenical Patriarch also prayed for the intercession of the Theotokos for a world torn apart by conflict, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine. While human hopes appear to be fading, he said, the faithful place “all our hope” in the Mother of the Prince of Peace, asking her to bring calm to the troubled world.
Concluding, he urged Christians not to lose heart under the weight of their daily crosses, but to move forward with repentance, prayer, courage and trust in Christ. He reaffirmed that the Ecumenical Patriarchate would continue to proclaim that the Most Holy Theotokos remains an “impregnable wall” for all who seek refuge in her and the enduring protector of the Christian community of Constantinople.
Photo: Nikos Papachristou
