Head of Phanar calls for friendship between Greece and Turkey

The head of the Church of Constantinople, Patriarch Bartholomew, called for friendship between Greece and Turkey for the sake of peace in the Mediterranean region. Bartholomew called the Greeks and Turks “friendly peoples,” noting the efforts of the Turkish and Greek governments in this direction. The head of Phanar believes that both sides will benefit from such friendship. This is reported by orthodoxtimes.com.

«We are grateful to everyone who contributes to this happy rapprochement between two neighboring, friendly and allied peoples who have so much in common. The development of friendship and cooperation between them is more important than ever, especially in the difficult global circumstances. The leaders of this commendable effort are, of course, the distinguished President of the Republic of Turkey and the Prime Minister of Greece, and both peoples are pleased to support their initiatives,” Bartholomew said.

Earlier, we reported that the Turkish government had banned Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople from celebrating the Divine Liturgy in the ancient monastery of Panagia Sumela, which is located on the territory of the state. Despite the indignation of the local Pontic Greeks, the local authorities restricted the access of clergy and believers to the monastery, and Patriarch Bartholomew, who was supposed to lead the celebrations, did not come at all.