Patriarch Bartholomew: God and state will protect me

World Bulletin/News Desk – 13/5/13 Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I said that he is not concerned over assassination claims as he believes God and his state will protect him. Ecumenical Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew I, commenting on a recently uncovered alleged plot to assassinate him, has said that he is not concerned over assassination claims as he believes God and his state will protect him. The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office launched an investigation into an alleged plot to assassinate Patriarch Bartholomew on the 560th anniversary of the conquest of İstanbul by the Ottomans.