Conference in Istanbul on the occasion of the jubilee of the Edict of Milan

The Ecumenical Patriarchate in conjunction with the Council of the Bishops' Conferences of Europe organizes a scientific conference devoted to religious freedom in Europe. His All-Holiness Bartholomew of Constantinople has sent invitations for this two-day conference, which will take place on May 17 and 18 in Istanbul.

His Grace Bishop Dr. Irinej of Backa will participate in the work of this seminar.
The cause of the conference represents a publication of the Edict of Milan 1700 years ago, when Emperor Constantine and southeast Roman co-ruler Licinius proclaimed religious freedom to Christianity and other religions.

The conference will pay attention to historical, legal and political aspects of the religious freedom in Europe and in other parts of the world. Besides internationally recognized Christian historians and theologians, according to the program, top rabbi in Turkey Isaac Haleva as well as representatives of the Turkish government and Turkish Muslims will be also keynote speakers here. The conference will be moderated by Patriarch Bartholomew and Cardinal Péter Erdö of Esztergom-Budapest, the President of the Council of Bishop's Conferences of Europe.

Already on Tuesday, 14 May Coptic Pope and Patriarch Tewadros II visited Archbishop of Milano, Angelo Scola, on the occasion of this significant anniversary.

Yesterday on Thursday, 16 May, Patriarch Bartholomew and Archbishop Scola served the Liturgy in this North Italian town, when Cardinal presented to the high guest from Constantinople the particles of the relics of early Christian saint and Holy father Ambrosius of Milano (339-397) and other saints of Milano. 

Source: Katpres