On Saturday morning, June 8, 2013, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew realized his annual pilgrimage to the ancient Christian and monastic region of Cappadocia, present-day Niğde in Turkey. He was accompanied by Metropolitans Joseph of Proikonnesos and Theoleptos of Ikonion, Grand Ecclesiarch Fr. Benjamin, Archimandrite Agathangelos Siskos, Patriarchal Dn. Nephon Tsimalis, Mr. Nikolaos Manginas and Mr. Mario Tarinas. His All-Holiness presided over Great Vespers on Saturday evening at the Church of St. Macrina and the Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning at the Church of St. John the Forerunner. This was the first time in ninety years that sacred services took place at either location.

photos by Nikos Manginas