Bartholomew to Trump: We hope the U.S. will defend religious freedom
Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople. Photo: ec-patr
On November 7, Patriarch Bartholomew of Constaantinople sent a letter of congratulations to newly elected President of the United States Donald Trump, reports the ec-patr.org website.
"Recognizing the immense responsibilities that come with such leadership, we pray that your decisions will be guided by wisdom and compassion, along with the strength needed to uphold harmony and security in your great and God-guarded nation," wrote the Patriarch.
He added that the Ecumenical Patriarchate, with its history and unwavering commitment to dialogue and reconciliation, continues to be a steadfast supporter of all efforts to foster peace and mutual understanding among peoples of diverse cultures and beliefs.
"We hope that under your leadership, the United States will continue to uphold the cause of religious freedom and human dignity – values that deeply resonate within the Orthodox Christian tradition and all religious communities," the letter from the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople stated.
As the UOJ previously reported, the head of the Phanar praised the authorities of Turkey and Greece for their "happy rapprochement".
Read also
Dumenko: Ukrainian Lavra monks have taken control of Near Caves
According to Dumenko, the Lavra is moving toward the “full restoration of this sacred place precisely as a spiritual cell of the OCU.”
Release of Metropolitan Arseniy – result of U.S. pressure, Greek media say
The Greek Orthodox outlet reports that the decisive factor in the hierarch’s case was the stance taken by American Orthodox public and political figures.
Moldova lacks capacity to maintain 800 temples it intends to seize from Church
According to the Minister of Culture, authorities plan to seize 800 churches from the Moldovan Church, but they lack the capability to manage them.
Court returns seized church to UOC community in Ivankiv
The appellate court declared invalid the re-registration of the UOC community of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in the town of Ivankiv.
2,800-year-old seal with biblical symbols found in Israel
Israeli archaeologists have found a stone seal from the era of Judean kings with an inscription in ancient Hebrew.
Pope warns clergy against writing AI-based sermons
The head of the Roman Catholic Church warned priests about the risks of using digital technologies in ministry.