Calls Increase to Ban Abp. Elpidophoros From Entering Turkey

UOJ-America has previously reported on Archbishop Elpidophoros statements on Greek Independence Day in which he compared President Trump to St. Constantine. While these statements were positively received by most Americans, the same cannot be said for its reception on the Bosphorus. 

Greek media have reported that Erol Kara, a prominent nationalist commentator in Turkey, railed against the Greek hierarch, characterizing the archbishop's statements as "anti-Turkish" and "a great scandal," Kara called for immediate action: "Ataturk's followers, conservatives and nationalists in Turkey must file a lawsuit against Elpidophoros. I ask the prosecutors to do what is necessary for this man who is acting against the Turkish Republic."

Kara complained that "despite the decision of the Supreme Court of Cassation, Elpidophoros has used the term 'ecumenical' many times for the Roman Patriarch of Phanar Bartholomew... he uses 'Constantinople' instead of 'Istanbul' ... the Archbishop is being closely monitored, as he launches hatred against Turkey with his Byzantine dream." 

Turkish nationalists view the evangelistic efforts of the Phanar as a sort of nationalist project to revive the Byzantine Empire - or in his words, the "Byzantine Dream."

The report also mentions legal actions taken against Abp. Elpidophoros by Rear Admiral Jihat Yaiji (Ret.). Admiral Yaiji is an outspoken critic of the Phanar, believing it to be a threat to Turkish national security and social cohesion. He is especially critical of Abp. Elpidophoros, leading the effort to revoke his citizenship - thus preempting him from succeeding Bartholomew. 

It's fair to say then, that the Turks view Abp. Elpidophoros' statements at the White House as a threat—not because they relate to Turkey directly, but out of a concern that Abp. Elpidophoros is posturing to gain Trump's support for the patriarchal throne. 

And they're probably right.

After all, the US pressured Ankara into not tipping the scales in Bartholomew's election. If Elpidophoros can cultivate a relationship with Trump, he may be able to convince Trump to tip the scales in his favor when Pat. Bartholomew vacates the patriarchal throne. The Turks clearly see the archbishop's statements in this light.

How Abp. Elpidophoros will navigate the growing opposition to his reign remains to be seen.

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