Orthodox Patriarch to Attend Opening of Pauline Year

VATICAN CITY, JUNE 24, 2008 (Zenit.org).- The ecumenical patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew I, will attend the inauguration of the Pauline Jubilee Year and Mass celebrated by Benedict XVI the next day.

According to reports Monday and today from the Office of Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, Bartholomew I will participate in Saturday's celebration of vespers at the Basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Walls. With this event, Benedict XVI will officially inaugurate the Pauline year.

Representatives of other Christian communities are also scheduled to attend.

On Sunday, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Bartholomew I will participate in the Mass celebrated by the Pope in St. Peter's.

The patriarch and the Holy Father will pronounce the homily; together they will recite the profession of faith and impart the blessing.

The Pope will concelebrate Mass with the new metropolitan archbishops, upon whom he will impose the pallium during the course of the ceremony.