Patriarch leads Holy and Great Council anniversary celebrations in Crete

Tuesday, 2 June 2026/Source: Haniotika Nea/1 min read

Ten years ago, Crete hosted the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, a landmark gathering of Orthodox Christian leaders from around the world. The anniversary is being marked with religious celebrations, including a service led by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the Church of the Holy Trinity, emphasizing themes of unity within the Orthodox faith. The original Council took place in June 2016 at the Orthodox Academy of Crete in Kolymvari, near Chania, and was the first such pan-Orthodox council in over a thousand years. Visitors to western Crete can explore the Orthodox Academy grounds, which remain open to the public and offer a peaceful setting overlooking the sea. The site is located about 23 km west of Chania city center, easily reached by car or local bus.