Patriarch Bartholomew: Our Church will remain in Istanbul forever

Patriarch Bartholomew meets with journalists at the Phanar. Photo: greek.vema

On June 20, 2026, Patriarch Bartholomew met at the Phanar in Istanbul with representatives of the International Federation of Journalists, as well as journalists' unions from Greece and Cyprus, according to the Orthodoxia News Agency.

The Patriarch reaffirmed that the Ecumenical Patriarchate will continue its ministry in Istanbul despite historical challenges. Although the city's Greek community has significantly diminished, Patriarch Bartholomew expressed optimism about the future.

He also thanked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, noting his “positive attitude.”

“Therefore, we look to the future with optimism and pray to our Lord Jesus Christ for our community, for our Patriarchate, for the Church, and for all humanity,” Patriarch Bartholomew said.

Particular attention during the meeting was devoted to the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, which he said continue to claim the lives of thousands of civilians, including children.

“Dialogue is the only path that leads to the resolution of every disagreement,” he stated.

As the UOJ reported, the Archons explained why the Ecumenical Patriarch should not relocate from Turkey.

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