Jan. 19, 2026 : The Basilica of Saint Nicholas in Bari stands as one of Christianity’s most important places of Catholic–Orthodox encounter. Since the relics of Saint Nicholas were brought from Myra in 1087, the basilica has welcomed pilgrims from every nation—becoming a living bridge between East and West.
In this EWTN special report, Fr. Emmanuel Albano, Coordinator of the Saint Nicholas Ecumenical Institute, explains why Saint Nicholas is often called the saint of interreligious dialogue. Within the same sacred space, Catholic Mass and the Orthodox Divine Liturgy are celebrated—sometimes at the very same altar—offering a powerful sign of unity rooted in prayer rather than uniformity.
The program also explores how this lived ecumenism led to the founding of the Saint Nicholas Ecumenical Institute, where theology, history, and real-life encounter come together. Described by Pope Francis as a “capital of unity,” Bari continues to witness how devotion to Saint Nicholas draws Christians closer—one prayer at a time.
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