Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the world’s 200 million Eastern Orthodox Christians, spent a night at George Washington University Hospital after feeling unwell following his long flight to the United States.
US President Joe Biden’s personal doctor contacted the hospital to be informed of his health, however the Patriarch is now well again and due to continue his 12-day visit to the United States, which began on 23 October, 2021, and runs through to 3 November, 2021.
Patriarch Bartholomew was welcomed by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland.
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The agenda is packed, and includes a meeting with US President Biden as well as other top US officials in the coming days though exact times have not been announced. He will also attend a number of interfaith gatherings.
During the visit, the Patriarch will address concerns, such as a restructuring of the American church to his church’s status in Turkey. Archbishop Elpidophoros said the Patriarch is also expected to renew calls for the reopening of a school of theology on the island of Chalki which was closed by the Turkish government 50 years ago.
“Religious freedom in Turkey is vital for the ecumenical patriarchate in Turkey,” Archbishop Elpidophoros said.