The 4th International Conference of Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on Religious Freedom in Zappeion continued on its second day with keynote speaker Mike Pompeo, the 70th US Secretary of State.
John Catsimatidis, Archon Notarios and chairman of the Religious Freedom Committee of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America, introduced Pompeo. He highlighted the crucial role of the US in global stability, emphasizing the importance of the country’s strong stance for the survival of Europe and the free world.
In his address, Pompeo praised his positive relationship with the Orthodox community in the US and commended Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, despite facing challenges during his visit to Constantinople.
Regarding the Ukraine conflict and the Russian Orthodox Church’s involvement, Pompeo emphasized the need to speak the truth and highlighted the US support for Ukraine. He condemned the conversion of the Chora Monastery into a mosque in Constantinople, calling it a provocative act and expressing hope for a more respectful approach to religious freedoms in Turkey.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas