The Phanar has released a statement requesting that the name of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew not be used in university proceedings.
The announcement highlights that the name of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has recently been associated with university procedures for awarding honorary distinctions to Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne. It is clarified that the Ecumenical Patriarch is not directly involved in these processes, as they fall outside of his responsibilities.
Below is the full announcement from the Phanar:
Given the recent involvement of the name of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in a university process for granting honorary distinctions to Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne, it is hereby declared that:
a) His All-Holiness the Patriarch is not engaged in such procedures that exceed his duties. The Ecumenical Patriarch acknowledges and appreciates the independence, judgment, and expertise of Higher Education Institutions, many of which, both in Greece and abroad, have honored Him in various ways over time, for which he expresses his sincere gratitude.
b) The Patriarch is pleased when a Hierarch of the Mother Church is recognized, as these honors, including honorary distinctions, reflect positively on the institution of the Church of Constantinople, to which we all belong.
In conclusion, a plea is made for the name of His All-Holiness not to be referenced (positively or negatively) in similar university processes.
Phanar, May 24, 2024
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas