Cardinal Tobin and Archbishop Elpidophoros begin ecumenical pilgrimage (Photos)
A group of pilgrims arrived in Rome on July 15 to begin an extraordinary nine-day pilgrimage. Led by Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, and His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the ecumenical journey will take them to numerous sites of significance to Catholic and Orthodox traditions as they travel from Rome to Constantinople (today known as Istanbul).
Bearing the title “From Old Rome to New Rome: A Roman Catholic & Orthodox Pilgrimage,” the event commemorates the 1700th anniversary of the Church’s first ecumenical council, the Council of Nicaea, which resulted in the Nicene Creed that expresses the core beliefs of the Christian faith.
The pilgrimage aims to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of a shared Christian heritage, while also providing an occasion for spiritual growth and friendship.
Day One: Visiting Saint Paul
As reported by the Orthodox Observer, the first day of the pilgrimage featured a visit to the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. This historic church was built by the Emperor Constantine in 313 over the tomb of the Apostle to the Gentiles. Within a century, the structure had been greatly enlarged, making it the largest basilica in Rome until the consecration of the new Basilica of Saint Peter’s in 1626. An 1853 fire destroyed much of the structure, but donations from around the world allowed the basilica to be rebuilt and reconsecrated thirty years later.
Pilgrims were given a tour of Saint Paul Outside the Walls and its many artworks, including the beautiful mosaics that decorate the exterior and interior spaces, depicting Christ the Pantocrator, the Old Testament prophets, and each of the popes up to Pope Francis. The basilica also contains one of Christianity’s most precious relics, the chain that tradition says bound Saint Paul while he was a prisoner in Rome.
Before leaving the basilica, pilgrims paused to pray at Saint Paul’s tomb. Cardinal Tobin and Archbishop Elpidophoros later addressed the pilgrims at a welcoming dinner to mark the start of the historic pilgrimage.
Visit the photo gallery to see more images of day one of the pilgrimage from “Rome to New Rome.” We thank the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and the Orthodox Observer for sharing Brittainy Newman’s beautiful photos with us.
Featured image: Archbishop Elpidophoros of American and Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., Archbishop of Newark, look upon a statue of St. Paul outside the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls as the “Rome to New Rome” pilgrimage begins. (Photos by Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman)
