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Orthodox Observer - October 1996

His Eminence Protests Demonstrations Against the Phanar

Archbishop Spyridon has sent the following letter to Prime Minister of Turkey Necnettin Erbakan and Foreign Minister Tansu Ciller protesting a recent demonstration by extremist groups directed against the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

The letter also protests threats made against the life of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in an article appearing recently in a Turkish periodical, "Middle East," in which His Eminence alludes to the hanging of Patriarch Gregory V in 1821.

His Eminence wrote: "It is with deep concern that I write this letter regarding the demonstration recently directed at the Ecumenical Patriarchate by various extremist elements who protest unrelated events which have taken place in a foreign country.

"The Orthodox Church in the United States is most sensitive every time our Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the Phanar, is unjustly connected to unrelated political matters and used as a target for violent protest. These unjust actions, directed at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, cause international concern and distress for millions of Orthodox faithful who look upon the Patriarchate as the Center of world Orthodoxy.

"I must also bring to your attention that the personal threats against Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's life which were expressed at the same time by the Turkish periodical "Middle East" can only be a matter of further profound concern to the Orthodox Church worldwide. Appealing in this case to the sad example of the violent death of Patriarch Gregory V, who in 1821 was hanged at the center gates of the Patriarchate at the Phanar, can only be perceived as a direct threat to the freedom and peaceful existence of the Patriarchate, a sacred place which has for centuries prayed for peace and understanding between all people and until this day humbly serves millions of Orthodox faithful throughout the world.

I am confident that you, Madame Foreign Minister, known for being guided by religious principles and for the desire to protect the rights of all revered religious institutions in Turkey, will use the good influence of your office to bring these latest unjustifiable protests to a peaceful end.

[ Orthodox Observer - Vol. 61, No. 1119 - October 1996 - p. 3 ]