Phanar cleric: Biden thinks Bartholomew is similar to Christ
Joe Biden and the head of Phanar. Photo: hurriyet.com.tr
Of all the major leaders Biden has met, only the head of Phanar and Nelson Mandela, in Biden's opinion, can be likened to Christ, Fr. Alex Karloutsos, Director of Public Relations for the American Archdiocese of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, told Greek Reporter.
Karloutsos noted that Biden is "very loyal and friendly to the Greek-American community." This manifested in the fact that the U.S. President-elect likes to call himself as "Bidenopoulos".
According to the cleric of the American Archdiocese of Phanar, Biden is "very much aware" of the Orthodox Church and "he has a great sense of faith."
The cleric of Phanar recalled Biden saying more than once, "I've traveled around the world and met major leaders, and there is only two Christ-like figures I have met: one is Nelson Mandela and the other is Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew."
Karloutsos himself considers Biden his best friend and has not commented on his liberal views on abortion and LGBT.
As the UOJ reported, Joe Biden will appoint a transgender doctor as an assistant secretary of health.
Read also
SBU told Phanar many UOC bishops would join OCU in 2018, report says
According to a Phanar representative’s account, Ukrainian security services told the Constantinople delegation that many UOC representatives were prepared to attend the OCU’s “Unification Council.” In the end, only two did.
Catholic cardinal visits Ukrainian POWs during trip to Russia
During three days of consultations in Moscow, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi discussed prospects for ending the war in Ukraine.
Ukrainians help restore Serbian Orthodox church in Paris
Orthodox Ukrainians have become regular parishioners of St. Sava Church in Paris and have taken part in its restoration.
Bulgarian Church clergy and laity oppose Phanar head’s visit
More than 2,000 clergy and laity have called for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit to be canceled, citing disagreement with his actions and concerns that the visit could legitimize schism.
Unknown intruders break down doors at two UOC churches in Sloviansk
Archbishop Paisiy said OCU activists are suspected of breaking into the churches in Sloviansk, and police have launched an investigation.
Sviatohirsk Lavra prays for murdered monk on 40th day after death
The brethren of the Sviatohirsk Lavra held a memorial service for murdered Monk Varsonofiy, calling on the faithful to pray for the newly departed monk.