His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America met with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday to discuss a number of issues important to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Greek-American Community and to the people of Greece, Cyprus and Turkey.
“I would like to express once again my thanks to Secretary of State Pompeo, for our meeting today. 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," Archbishop Elpidophoros said after the meeting.
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
“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," His Eminence added.
“It is our earnest desire that the US government continue its work to ensure respect for international law, dialogue without threats from Turkey, and for peaceful relations between Turkey, Greece and Cyprus, and the entire Eastern Mediterranean region.”
Grateful to @SecPompeo for his ready ear to listen to concerns around security for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, peace in the Mediterranean, and the seizure of Hagia Sophia. The US must uphold rule of law, rights of minorities in Turkey, and peace for Greece, Cyprus and Turkey. pic.twitter.com/7vfErEUpaa
— Elpidophoros (@Elpidophoros) September 24, 2020
Looking forward to discussing important trade, security, and religious freedom issues with my counterparts in Greece, Italy, the Holy See, and Croatia next week.
— Secretary Pompeo (@SecPompeo) September 24, 2020