Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual head of Eastern Orthodox Christians, has returned to the United States for the first time in four years. His visit includes a meeting Monday with President Donald Trump and events through September 25.
Bartholomew carries the title “first among equals” among Orthodox patriarchs as the Patriarch of Constantinople (today Istanbul), which grants him prestige though not the same kind of centralized authority associated with a pope. His responsibilities include overseeing Orthodox communities in Turkey and some diaspora jurisdictions, such as the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.
During the Oval Office meeting, Bartholomew spoke with reporters about the struggles faced by Christian minorities in Turkey—including persecution and shrinking numbers—but emphasized that despite these hardships, the Christian community endures.He also discussed the situation in Ukraine, condemning both past oppression and the current conflict with Russia, including the suffering and displacement it has caused.
One of the topics raised was the reopening of the Halki (Heybeliada) Seminary in Istanbul, a theological school long closed by Turkish authorities. Bartholomew told Trump he expects the seminary may resume taking students again in 2026.
Known for his environmental work—often called the “green patriarch”—Bartholomew is also slated to receive the Templeton Prize later this month in New York, honoring his contributions to science, spirituality, and human purpose.
He will attend several diplomatic, interfaith, and religious events during his U.S. stay, including ceremonies hosted by the Turkish and Greek ambassadors and visits to Orthodox churches in Washington and New York.
Source: The Seattle Times
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