Phanar declares it considers itself responsible for the unity of Orthodoxy

Patriarch Bartholomew and Mike Pompeo. Photo: romfea.gr

On November 17, 2020, the representative of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, stated that the Phanar is responsible for the unity of world Orthodoxy, reports "Romfea".

Commenting on the visit of the head of the US Department of State Mike Pompeo to Phanar, Metropolitan Emmanuel called the visit of the US Secretary of State to Phanar a "historic" moment.

At the same time, Metropolitan Emmanuel recalled that such a visit was made by the previous head of the US Department of State (obviously, referring to Joe Biden – Ed.).

The Phanar spokesperson said that during the meeting between Patriarch Bartholomew and Mike Pompeo, "issues of freedom of religion and fundamental rights were discussed", as well as issues of "the protection of the Christian presence in the Middle East and issues of Orthodoxy around the world".

“As the Ecumenical Patriarchate, we are responsible for the unity of Orthodoxy and the benefits for it, and we play an important role in ensuring the rule of peace throughout the world,” Metropolitan Emmanuel emphasized.

When asked whether Mr Pompeo raised the issue of Hagia Sophia, the Phanar hierarch answered in the affirmative but noted that he was not authorized to comment on this.

At the same time, according to him, Patriarch Bartholomew "has repeatedly addressed this issue and expressed the regret of the Ecumenical Patriarchate about this political decision."

As reported, Metropolitan Nikiforos of the Orthodox Church of Cyprus, the actions of the Patriarchate of Constantinople to grant "autocephaly" to Ukraine lead to a terrible schism of world Orthodoxy.

Read also