Patriarch Bartholomew calls on Orthodox Greeks to return to Turkey

[Not David]

Patriarch Bartholomew calls on Orthodox Greeks to return to Turkey

 

[TheLostCoin]

Although this might sound very politically hostile, it should be noted that the Turkish government regulates who is eligible to be the Patriarch of Constantinople, and one of the requirements is that of being a Turkish citizen from birth.

Considering that it’s such a small community, it makes sense why the Patriarch would want there to be more Orthodox citizens of Turkey.

 

[Knee V]

I can appreciate the sentiment, but I would not want to go to where I would be persecuted.

 

[Not David]

Although this might sound very politically hostile, it should be noted that the Turkish government regulates who is eligible to be the Patriarch of Constantinople, and one of the requirements is that of being a Turkish citizen from birth.

Considering that it’s such a small community, it makes sense why the Patriarch would want there to be more Orthodox citizens of Turkey.

Is it a requirement for the Ecumenical Patriarch to be somehow Greek?

 

[Not David]

I don't like this statement, instead of looking for Greek nationalism (nothing wrong depending on the subject), they should be looking to gain more Turkish followers. Probably a lot of Turks don't try to reach Orthodoxy because they think it is only for Greeks, and those statements make it clear.

 

[TheLostCoin]

Is it a requirement for the Ecumenical Patriarch to be somehow Greek?

No - but more Greeks living in Turkey = more Orthodox Turkish citizens by birth

 

[Phronema]

I don't like this statement, instead of looking for Greek nationalism (nothing wrong depending on the subject), they should be looking to gain more Turkish followers. Probably a lot of Turks don't try to reach Orthodoxy because they think it is only for Greeks, and those statements make it clear.

After reading the article it seemed to me that HAH Patriarch Bartholomew is asking Greeks to specifically return to the island of Imbros.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Is it a requirement for the Ecumenical Patriarch to be somehow Greek?

no, he must be a Turkish citizen.

 

[buzuxi02]

Return from where? Greek fertility rates are so low coupled with high abortions they were never born.

 

[rusmeister]

I don’t imagine it has anything to do with wanting to restore Constantinople as a seat of power, not just honor due to the place because of its ancient history.