(Unofficial translation from the website of the Ecumenical Patriarchate)

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as part of the regular diagnostic tests performed in the Phanar, has today, Friday, December 24, 2021, tested positive for the coronavirus.

His All-Holiness, who is fully vaccinated, is currently showing mild symptoms, and his general condition is good.

Immediately after the diagnosis, he visited the Central Hospital of Istanbul for further preventive examinations.

The Ecumenical Patriarch thanked all those who have expressed interest in the state of his health, and urged all, once again, to follow the recommendations of doctors and specialists. This included those who have not yet been vaccinated; His All-Holiness urged them to get the vaccine for their own good and the good of society as a whole.

On this occasion he also wished everyone a Merry and Blessed Christmas.