The Ecumenical Patriarch is leaving for the Phanar today, as his official visit to the USA has ended.
The Ecumenical Patriarch was medically examined at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan. The results of the check-up were very satisfactory, as reads the relevant announcement.
The Ecumenical Patriarch and his entourage will leave New York today, Wednesday, by private plane for Constantinople.
His official visit began in Washington on October 23, with the Ecumenical Patriarch holding crucial meetings with both President Biden and Foreign Minister Blinken, as well as with members of the Congress.
The Ecumenical Patriarch had the opportunity to speak about the issues that concern the Patriarchate, emphasizing the issue of the Theological School of Halki.
He also raised the issue of the autocephaly of the Church of Ukraine as well as the moves made by the Moscow Patriarchate against the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
It was found that there is dissatisfaction in Washington for the non-constructive role played by Russia.
The Ecumenical Patriarch addressed the Greek community and asked for unity between them and unity around Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
The last stop of the Ecumenical Patriarch was New York, where he opened the doors of St. Nicholas in Manhattan yesterday.
The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas was the only house of worship destroyed during the 9/11 terrorist attacks along with the Twin Towers.
In his message, the Ecumenical Patriarch spoke of a historic day for the church and the Greek community in the United States.
As he noted, “today we live a historic day as a church and as a Greek community in the USA, celebrating the opening of the holy temple and the national pilgrimage of St. Nicholas.
Congratulations and thanks to all those who contributed and worked hard to make this dream come true.
To turn the works of darkness and fanaticism into works of light, love, hope, perspective. We believe in the Lord, who makes everything new, and bright. I invoke His grace and blessing to all of us who gathered in celebration and to the future pilgrims. Thank God for that.”
