Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew condemned offensive statements made by a Metropolitan of the Ecumenical Throne on social media about Maria Karystianou, President of the victims’ association for the 2023 train accident in Tempi. He expressed that he could not align with such views.
The train accident two years ago resulted in the deaths of 57 individuals, mostly students. Greek society has since demanded accountability and justice.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized that disrespecting a grieving mother, like Maria Karystianou, who seeks justice for her lost child, is unacceptable. He did not mention the specific hierarch responsible for the offensive comments, but it is believed to be Metropolitan Theoleptos of Iconium.
The Metropolitan of Iconium’s critical post about Maria Karystianou on social media sparked negative reactions before being deleted. The Patriarch urged the hierarch to apologize publicly if the comments were indeed made by him.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew assured continued support for the families of the victims and all affected by the Tempi tragedy. He also offered condolences to families of victims from previous accidents in the area.
Read the statement of the Ecumenical Patriarch
Dear children,
As we approach the two-year mark since the tragic Tempi accident, where 57 lives were lost, I remember the shock and sorrow that gripped us all. My prayers remain with the victims, their families, and those still impacted by this heartbreaking event.
I disapprove of any offensive remarks made by a Hierarch of the Ecumenical Throne regarding this tragedy. No one should disrespect those seeking answers and justice for their loved ones lost in Tempi.
If the Hierarch did make such remarks, I urge him to apologize publicly. The Mother Church and I will stand by the victims’ families and all affected by this tragedy.
Memory eternal.
Remembering the Tragedy of Tempi
“And you, as well as all of us, should remember them, honor their memory, and pray for their eternal rest, and for God to give strength and comfort to their relatives.”
Metropolitan of Iconium Issues Apology
Following the reaction of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Metropolitan Theoleptos of Iconium publicly apologized for his previous remarks on the Tempi tragedy.
The Metropolitan clarified, “The statements attributed to me do not represent my personal views, and I apologize for the confusion caused. I have been praying daily for the souls of the children and sympathizing with their families since the tragic incident.”