Abp. Elpidophoros Discusses Halki, Religious Freedom with U.S. Official

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Abp. Elpidophoros met with U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor Riley Barnes at the invitation of the State Department official to discuss religious freedom and other issues of mutual concern.

Among the subjects discussed was the longstanding effort to reopen the historic Theological School of Halki. Abp. Elpidophoros emphasized the importance of the school not only to the Ecumenical Patriarchate and Orthodox Christians worldwide, but also as an enduring matter of religious liberty and human rights. The meeting took place amid what were described as hopeful recent developments concerning the prospect of Halki’s reopening.

The Archbishop and Barnes also discussed the situation of Christian communities in the Middle East. Their conversation focused on the protection, security, and religious freedom of the region’s historic Christian populations, as well as the need to preserve their presence in lands where Christianity has existed since apostolic times.

Abp. Elpidophoros expressed appreciation for the invitation and for the U.S. government’s continued attention to issues affecting the Ecumenical Patriarchate and religious freedom more broadly. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continued dialogue, closer engagement, and the exploration of concrete opportunities for cooperation.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a farewell banquet for Abp. Apostolos was set for Sept. 8 in New Jersey.