Greek politician: Turkey seeks to belittle the Ecumenical Patriarchate

Greek politician and secretary for international relations and EU affairs, Tasos Hatzivasileiou. Photo: Orthodoxia News Agency

On September 15, 2025, Greek politician and secretary for international relations and EU affairs from the New Democracy party, Tasos Hatzivasileiou, said in an interview with SKAI TV that Ankara is attempting to use Orthodox spiritual leaders for its own purposes, reports the portal Orthodoxia News Agency.

Hatzivasileiou noted that the visit of Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan coincided with Patriarch Bartholomew’s trip to the United States. According to the politician, such moves show Turkey’s desire to present itself as an important player in interreligious dialogue while at the same time undermining the authority of the Patriarchate of Constantinople.

“Turkey tries to appear as a significant factor in interfaith dialogue, while in reality it seeks to belittle the Ecumenical Patriarchate,” he said.

He also recalled the Greek government’s diplomatic efforts to resolve long-standing disputes over the Monastery of Saint Catherine on Mount Sinai, calling them “an example of successful work.”

“The government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs managed to untie the Gordian knot of disputes that had dragged on for many years at Mount Sinai, and they deserve credit for excellent work,” the MP stated, among other things.

At the same time, he stressed that Ankara’s diplomatic maneuvers cannot change the balance of power in the Orthodox world: “The Ecumenical Patriarchate holds a primatial position, and this cannot change,” Hatzivasileiou emphasized.

Earlier, the UOJ reported that, according to Patriarch Bartholomew, neither he nor his successors will renounce the right of primacy without equals.

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