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
UOC priest’s home damaged in drone strike on Poltava
The home of Archpriest Kostiantyn Fisun, rector of St. Seraphim Church in Poltava, was damaged in a drone attack.
Kyiv Theological Schools begin enrollment for catechetical courses
The Kyiv Theological Academy has announced enrollment for the St. Peter Mohyla Catechetical Courses for laypeople.
Greek hierarch criticizes new school textbooks containing LGBT propaganda
Metropolitan Seraphim called on parents to monitor school lessons in order to protect their children.
Site blessed for new church construction in Oleksandriia Eparchy
On the feast day of St. Seraphim of Sarov, Metropolitan Boholep laid a foundation capsule for a new church.
World Council of Churches condemns confiscation of Evangelical church in Iran
Secretary General Jerry Pillay demanded the return of the St. Peter's Church compound to believers.
Poland repeals law recognizing same-sex unions concluded in EU
The court ruled that the registration of foreign same-sex unions contradicts the article of the Constitution defining marriage as a union of a man and a woman.