On December 26, 2024, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew met with the President of the Republic of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, at the Presidential Palace in Ankara as per his request.
During their meeting, the Patriarch addressed the issue of Christians in Syria, urging the President to use his influence to protect the lives and safety of Christians and all minorities in Syria. He also highlighted the historical connections between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the ancient Patriarchate of Antioch.
In addition, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed gratitude to President Erdoğan for instructing the reopening of the Halki School of Theology and requested expedited procedures. The President assured his full support.
Furthermore, they discussed the upcoming celebrations to mark the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea (325-2025) and the anticipated visit of Pope Francis to Turkey to participate in these events.
The Patriarch was accompanied by Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon and Pantaleon Vigas, a prominent Archon Grand Chartophylax and active community leader of the Greek Orthodox minority, during his visit to Ankara.
Photo: Press Office of the Presidency of the Republic of Turkey / Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
