The Hellenic Parliament has announced that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the President of Cyprus, Nicos Christodoulides, have accepted the invitation to deliver speeches during the plenary session in May 2026. Patriarch Bartholomew is scheduled to speak on May 5, 2026, while President Christodoulides is expected to address the assembly between May 12 and 14, 2026. These events highlight the ongoing collaboration and dialogue between the Greek and Cypriot leaderships.

This invitation marks a significant moment as it includes remarks from both religious and political leaders, fostering a connection between the Greek Orthodox Church and the Hellenic state's legislative body. The engagement of figures like Patriarch Bartholomew is particularly noteworthy, given his longstanding influence and leadership within the Orthodox Christian community, which extends beyond Greek borders.

The occasion is also reminiscent of a historical event that took place 27 years ago when Patriarch Bartholomew addressed the Parliament at the time of President Apostolos Kaklamanis. Such speeches not only strengthen the bonds between the church and state but also serve to inspire and unite the Greek people, reaffirming their shared cultural and religious identity amidst contemporary challenges.