Elpidophoros urges Pompeo to support Ecumenical Patriarchate, Greek community in Turkey, all religious minorities there

The Archbishop of America, His Eminence Elpidophoros, on Thursday met with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the State Department in Washington, with talks focusing directly on a number of issues important to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Greek-American community, and to the people of Greece, Cyprus and Turkey.

Afterwards, the Archbishop noted that “.. I had the opportunity to articulate the deep distress of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, and our own pain, and that of the Greek-American community, over the conversion of Hagia Sophia to mosque. I also had occasion to express the ever-increasing apprehension and deepest concern of the Greek-American community over an ever-increasing aggressive stance of Turkey against Greece and Cyprus. I sought from the Secretary of State the support of the American Government for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Greek community in Turkey — and for all religious minorities in Turkey.”

Elpidophoros added that it was the Church’s desire to see the US administration continue its work to ensure respect for international law– and dialogue without threats from Turkey, as well as for peaceful relations between Turkey, Greece and Cyprus, along with the entire east Mediterranean region.

Taking to his official Twitter account, Pompeo merely added that he was looking forward to discussing important  trade, security, and religious freedom issues with his counterparts in Greece, Italy, the Vatican and Croatia next week.

A great pleasure to meet with Archbishop @Elpidophoros to discuss our enduring support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Orthodox community is a vital friend and partner to the United States. pic.twitter.com/5WffJF4KcW

— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) September 24, 2020

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