Registration is now open for the Course on Interreligious and Ecumenical Dialogue 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Peace and all good!

We are pleased to invite you to participate in the Annual Course on Interreligious and Ecumenical Dialogue 2026, organized by the International Community for Interreligious and Ecumenical Dialogue, to be held in Istanbul, Turkey, from 11 to 24 October 2026, at the OFM Santa Maria Draperis Friary.

This annual course seeks to form persons capable of genuine dialogue with others, even amid differences of culture, religion, and belief. Rather than offering techniques or strategies of dialogue, the course invites participants to a process of personal change and inner conversion, recognizing that authentic dialogue must begin within ourselves and within the communities in which we live. For us, dialogue is not merely a method but a way of life.

The inspiration for this course comes from the life and witness of Saint Francis of Assisi, particularly his encounter with Sultan Malik al-Kamil in Damietta, Egypt—an enduring sign of courageous openness, humility, and peaceful encounter across religious boundaries.

The course is intended especially for the members of the Franciscan Family who are engaged or interested in interfaith and ecumenical dialogue. The program will include conferences, group sharing, attentive listening to testimonies, andvisits to historical sites as well as Muslim and other Christian communities in and around Istanbul. The rich experience and insights of the speakers—scholars and practitioners directly involved in interfaith and ecumenical dialogue—will greatly enrich the participants.

The final three days of the course will be dedicated to a pilgrimage to the seven ancient churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation. This pilgrimage forms an integral part of the course, offering a spiritual journey of prayer, reflection, and shared faith.

The year 2026 holds special significance for us. It marks the 20th edition of this Annual Course, for which we give thanks to God. It is also a profoundly meaningful year for the Franciscan Family, as we celebrate the 800th anniversary of the death of Saint Francis of Assisi. In light of this jubilee, the theme of the 2026 course will focus on this decisive moment in the life and legacy of Saint Francis.

We warmly invite you to join us for this unique time of mutual listening, strengthening, encouragement, and enrichment. As the number of participants is limited, we kindly encourage you to register as soon as possible.

We look forward to welcoming you to Istanbul.

Fraternally yours,

Br. Felianus Dogon, OFM
Guardian

Contact persons:
Br. Felianus Dogon, OFM: fellyanusdogon@gmail.com
Br. Pascal Robert, OFM: pascalrobert764@gmail.com

The Church of Santa Maria Draperis
Istiklal Caddesi n. 215 - P.K. 243
34433 Beyoğlu – Istanbul, Turkey