Mitsotakis meets Bartholomeos in New York: Patriarchate’s “concerns” discussed
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis met with Fener Greek Patriarch Bartholomeos in New York, where issues concerning the Patriarchate were discussed. The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in Manhattan, with Archbishop Elpidophoros also present.
During the meeting, Mitsotakis congratulated Bartholomeos on receiving an award from the John Templeton Foundation. The Prime Minister was welcomed by a reception committee that included Metropolitan Theodoritos of Laodicea (Mitsotakis’ former professor), Metropolitan Maximos of Silivri, and Aetios, Director of the Patriarchate’s Private Office.
Discussions focused on current matters of the Patriarchate, and Mitsotakis was also briefed on Bartholomeos’ ongoing contacts in the United States.
Bartholomeos’ earlier remarks spark reactions in Türkiye
Earlier, on September 15, Patriarch Bartholomeos had met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. Following the meeting, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America reported that Bartholomeos raised issues regarding the challenges faced by Christians in Türkiye. Speaking to journalists, he said: “We discussed issues concerning the Patriarchate, the few Christians remaining in Türkiye, the difficulties, troubles, persecutions they face, and how—despite these—they continue to survive and fulfill our mission.”
These remarks, widely reported in Turkish media, drew criticism from minority community leaders. Bedros Şirinoğlu, President of the Armenian Foundations Union, called the use of the term “persecution” wrong and overly harsh, stating that Christians in Türkiye are supported by the state and do not suffer persecution. The Turkish Orthodox Community also rejected the Patriarch’s comments on social media, describing them as false and praising the Turkish nation’s support.
Following the backlash, church officials clarified that Bartholomeos’ words had been mistranslated, claiming the intended term was “difficulties” rather than “persecutions.” The clarification was seen as an attempt to ease growing tensions.
The episode has fueled debate over minority rights and added a new layer to discussions on U.S.-Türkiye relations, with Bartholomeos’ statements drawing both support and criticism internationally.
