Patriarch Bartholomew Summons Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne for Synaxis

The Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne have been called into session (Synaxis) by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople,the Ecumenical Patriarchate announced in a press release.The Patriarchate's bishops from around the world will gather in Constantinople from 1-3 September 2018,in accordance with the decision to have a full meeting every three years.The last such assembly was held in September 2015.*
The hierarchs will discuss topics relating to the Mother Church,as well as current affairs in the wider Orthodox world.The last Synaxis was attended by some 140 bishops meeting in the Hagia Triados,the Church of the Holy Trinity on Taksim Square,Istanbul.The nineteenth century church in memorable Byzantine Revival architecture is still in parish use today.*
Analysis:Gathering under this church's single dome and two bell towers,the hierarchs of the Great Church of Christ will recharge their ministry together,having assembled from as far afield as the Ukrainian Orthodox Churches of the USA and Canada,the Orthodox Church of Finland and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain.