The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, accompanied by Protosyncellus Theodore, visited on Tuesday, February 14, 2023, the Prefect of Constantinople Ali Yerlikaya expressed to him on behalf of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Roman Community his deepest condolences for the thousands of victims of the deadly earthquake that struck southeastern Turkey, wishing the Almighty God to repose their souls and give strength to their families.
The Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his congratulations on the work of the rescue teams and volunteer groups, from Turkey and from all over the world, who rushed to the region and are working under difficult conditions to extricate survivors from the wreckage. He hoped that the damage to infrastructure and housing would be repaired as soon as possible.
As a sign of practical support, he handed over to Yerlikaya an amount of money to be allocated by the State to address the immediate needs of those affected by the earthquake.
The Ecumenical Patriarch informed the Prefect that the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Roman Communities of Constantinople and Imbros have already collected and sent humanitarian aid to the earthquake-stricken areas, while there is constant communication with local actors to support our fellow humans who are suffering.
The Prefect thanked the Patriarch and the Greek Community for their immediate interest and support in this difficult time that the whole country is experiencing, as well as for the financial support of the collective relief effort of the victims.
After the meeting, the Prefect showed the Ecumenical Patriarch the coordinating center for emergency assistance.
Photo: Nikos Papachristou / Ecumenical Patriarchate
