A visit to the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the Phanar was made on Wednesday, 13 May, by the United States Assistant Secretary of State, Mr Riley M. Barnes, responsible for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, who was received with particular honour.
Mr Barnes, who was accompanied by members of his staff and the Deputy Consul General of the United States in Constantinople, Mr Michael Kidwell, was received by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. In a cordial atmosphere, they had the opportunity to discuss matters relating to the life and ministry of the Mother Church both at her Seat and throughout the world, the Greek Orthodox community of Constantinople, and the Orthodox faithful in the country. Particular reference was made to the work and enduring contribution of the Holy Archdiocese of America and its faithful to American society.
Also present at the meeting on behalf of the Patriarchate were His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon and Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Patriarchal Private Office.
Following his meeting with the Ecumenical Patriarch, Mr Barnes, together with his delegation, visited the Patriarchal Church, where Grand Archimandrite Iakovos briefed him on its history, as well as on the holy relics and sacred treasures preserved therein.