Bartholomew, the universal patriarchThe spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians is visiting the United States for the first time in four years, and he was scheduled to meet President Donald Trump on Monday afternoon and received honors for his environmental advocacy.
Bartholomew Arrived in Washington on Sunday and planned to make various appearances in the United States by September 25.
Bartholomew Because he was the patriarch of Constantinople, among the Orthodox patriarchs, he was first considered the ancient capital of the Orthodox patriarchs, and is now known as Istanbul in Türkiye. In churches with various autonomous jurisdictions, this role makes him important, but without the power of the Pope. He oversaw the small Orthodox population of most Muslim Türkiye. He also oversees some foreign communities, such as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese and some smaller U.S. jurisdictions.
Known as the “Green Clan Chief” Bartholomew It is scheduled to win the prestigious Templeton Award in New York on September 24. It respects achievements in the fields of science, spirituality and human purpose. Bartholomew According to the John Templeton Foundation, it has been a strong advocate for environmental protection and condemns pollution, deforestation and other “ecological crimes.”
His meeting with Trump could raise political questions. Bartholomew It was a staunch supporter of Ukraine and recognized an independent Orthodox jurisdiction in 2019, leading to the Russian Orthodox Church’s announcement that its exchanges with Constantinople were broken. Bartholomew He also strongly criticized Moscow patriarch Kirill for his blessings on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Another potential topic of discussion may be the status of Turkish Christians. Orthodox churches have long called for the reopening of the seminary that the Turkish government closed in 1971 and lamented that the conversion of the Byzantine-era churches will be transformed into a mosque.
Bartholomew plans to attend separate events with his honor, hosted by the Turkish and Greek ambassadors in the United States, and his visits include various other public events, including visits to Orthodox churches in the Washington and New York areas.
When he last visited the United States in 2021, he met with then-President Joe Biden and discussed issues such as climate change and religious freedom. During this visit, the clan leader was also treated for blocking the artery after being hospitalized earlier.
It is estimated that the Orthodox Orthodox Orthodox is probably the second largest Christian Communion, second only to the Roman Catholics.
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