Phanar's hierarch justifies his participation in NY Turkish Center opening
Archbishop Elpidophoros (far left) at the opening of the Turkish Center in New York. Photo: twitter.com/trpresidency
The head of the American Archdiocese of Phanar, Archbishop Elpidophoros (Lambriniadis), made excuses for his participation in the opening of the Turkish Center in New York.
The event, which was attended by Turkish President Recep Erdogan and the head of the so-called Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ersin Tatar, took place on September 20. As reported in the Greek media, Elpidophoros presence at the event caused discontent with the Greek, Cypriot and Armenian communities.
The Phanar hierarch tweeted that he congratulated Erdogan on the opening of the Turkish Center, stressing that "as always" he insists "on the importance of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the re-opening of the Halki Theological School and supporting the rights of religious minorities of Turkey."
The UOJ wrote that the Greek and Cypriot authorities canceled meetings with the head of the Phanar Archdiocese in the United States.
Read also
Italian media: Ukrainian authorities persecute the country’s largest confession
The Italian outlet L’Identità reported on mass searches, the arrests of clergy, and the ban on the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, which it describes as the largest Church in Ukraine.
Festival marking Orthodox Youth Day held in UOC's Volyn Eparchy
In Lutsk, the UOC’s annual youth forum brought together parish groups, clergy, and participants in a creative program for Orthodox Youth Day.
London mayor switches on festive Ramadan lights
In London, the Muslim mayor inaugurated Ramadan illuminations: a central street was decorated with a “Happy Ramadan” sign and Islamic-style ornaments.
DESS: Ramadan is a time of special closeness to the Almighty
DESS congratulated Ukraine’s Muslims on the beginning of Ramadan.
Jehovah’s witness pastor sentenced in Lviv region for refusing TRC service
A court in Lviv region sentenced a Jehovah’s Witness pastor to five years in prison for unauthorized absence from his unit and for refusing to serve as a TRC cook.
Orthodox Church in America raises $700,000 for Ukrainians in Poland
An OCA representative met with Metropolitan Sava and discussed humanitarian support for Ukrainian refugees in Poland.