1948day.year
Athenagoras I, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, is enthroned.
In 1948, Athenagoras I was enthroned as Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, becoming the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
In the aftermath of World War II, Athenagoras I was chosen to lead the ancient Patriarchate of Constantinople.
His enthronement on November 1 marked a new era of ecumenical outreach and reconciliation.
He pursued dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church, seeking healing of the Great Schism.
Under his guidance, the Patriarchate established a stronger presence in North America.
Athenagoras spoke out for human rights behind the Iron Curtain and modernized church administration.
His tenure helped raise the global profile of the Eastern Orthodox tradition.
1948
Athenagoras I
Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople