Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Meets President Erdoğan in Ankara

OCP News Service – 2/712/2024

Constantinople – Turkey: Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Istanbul, met today with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the Presidential Complex in Beştepe, Ankara, to discuss pressing regional and religious issues. The meeting, which took place earlier this afternoon, addressed matters of significant importance to the Christian community and interfaith relations.

During the discussion, Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the need to protect Christians and other minorities in Syria, citing the historical ties between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Antioch. He urged President Erdoğan to use his influence to safeguard these vulnerable communities amidst ongoing regional challenges.

The Patriarch expressed his gratitude to President Erdoğan for initiating work on reopening the Heybeliada (Halki) Seminary, a cornerstone of Orthodox Christian theological education. He appealed for expedited efforts to complete the reopening process, a request that was met with the President’s assurance of full support.

The upcoming 1700th anniversary of the First Council of Nicaea in 2025 was also a key topic of discussion. The Patriarch and President discussed the planned celebrations and the expected visit of Pope Francis to Turkey for the historic occasion, reflecting the global and ecumenical significance of this milestone.

Patriarch Bartholomew was accompanied by Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon and Laki Vingas, a prominent leader of the Greek Orthodox community, underscoring the importance of this visit for fostering interfaith dialogue and strengthening ties between Turkey and the Greek Orthodox Church.

This meeting highlights ongoing efforts to address religious and cultural issues while fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.

Source:
OCP News Service