Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew / Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, upon request, met today, 26 December, With the president of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, In the presidential palace of 'Ankara.
The Patriarch raised the issue of the state of Christians in Syria and asked K.. Erdogan to exert all his influence there to protect the life and security of Christians and all Syrian minorities, Referring to the close historical ties between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Palafatos Patriarchate of Antioch.
Mr. Bartholomew further thanked the Turkish president for his order for the reopening of the Halki Theological School and begged him for accelerating the relevant procedures. Recep Tayyip Erdogan promised to provide his full help.
The topic of scheduled celebrations were still discussed in the coming year to complete 1.700 years old by a’ Ecumenical Council (325-2025) of Nice and Arrival in Turkey for this purpose of Pope Francis.
The Ecumenical Patriarch was accompanied to Ankara by the Metropolitan of Elder Chalkidon and. Emmanuel and Panteleimon Vigas, Grand Great Briefcase and active community factor of expatriate.