Fanar: Visit of State Dept head is a source of joy and honor for our Church
Mike Pompeo and Elpidophoros, head of the Phanar Archdiocese of America. Photo: twitter.com/Elpidophoros
On Tuesday, November 17, the Secretary of State of the United States of America Mark Pompeo will visit the see of the Patriarchate of Constantinople "on his own initiative", the official website of Phanar reports.
Istanbul called the visit of the US Secretary of State "a source of joy and honor for the Mother Church".
“Such visits demonstrate the significance and status of the Ecumenical Patriarchate as an institution with a long history, which makes an invaluable contribution to global civilization,” says the communiqué of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.
The visits of US Secretaries of State to Phanar have become almost a tradition. Istanbul recalled that in the past, the Patriarchate of Constantinople was visited by the heads of the US Department of State Madeleine Albright, John Kerry and Hillary Clinton.
Mike Pompeo will discuss "issues of fundamental rights and religious freedom" with Patriarch Bartholomew.
The Phanar expressed its satisfaction and gratitude to the Secretary of State for including a visit to the Patriarchate of Constantinople in his schedule. Pompeo's visit to the Middle East will last for ten days.
As the UOJ reported, the US Secretary of State also intends to meet with the Patriarch of the Georgian Orthodox Church.
Read also
EXCLUSIVE: Abp Elpidophoros’ letter to Pat Bartholomew on defending UOC in US
Archbishop Elpidophoros reports to Patriarch Bartholomew on his efforts to derail actions by Orthodox clergy and faithful in the United States in defense of the UOC.
Zelensky awards chief rabbi "for the defense of the country"
At the celebration of Moshe Asman’s anniversary, representatives of the Presidential Office and the Territorial Defense Forces presented the rabbi with state awards and read out a message from Zelensky.
Gates foundation allocates $1 billion to promote abortion in Africa and Asia
Bill Gates and other private donors will direct funds to organizations seeking to legalize abortion and change laws in countries with traditional values.
Kosovo to enact law restricting Serbian Church, experts say
Analysts warn that the new "Law on Foreigners" in Kosovo could restrict the presence of clergy, believers' access to shrines, and increase pressure on the Serbian community.
Congress Speaker: Demand to introduce Sharia law in USA is a serious problem
The Speaker of the House of Representatives stated that there is growing concern in society about attempts to impose Islamic law, which is incompatible with the American Constitution.
UK government introduces restrictions on "anti-Muslim hostility"
UK authorities have adopted a new definition of "Islamophobia" which, according to experts, could provide Muslims with special protection and restrict freedom of speech.