Turkish Orthodox Church criticizes Zelenskyy, Bartholomew over ‘ecumenical’ statement

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy referred to Patriarch Bartholomew of the Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate as the “ecumenical patriarch,” a title that contradicts the Treaty of Lausanne. This statement has drawn criticism from the Turkish Orthodox Church’s spokesperson Selcuk Erenerol.

Zelenskyy announced that he had a phone conversation with Patriarch Bartholomew, who is based in Istanbul, during which he referred to Bartholomew as the “ecumenical patriarch,” a term that Turkish law does not recognize.

In response, Erenerol stated, “If you consider yourself above Turkish law, there can be no peace at home or in the world. There is ill intent here,” expressing disapproval of Zelenskyy’s choice of words.

Previously, Bartholomew participated in a peace-themed meeting held in Switzerland on June 15-16, also using the “ecumenical” title. His presence at the same table as Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan led to a diplomatic strain between Türkiye and Switzerland. After Türkiye requested clarification, Bartholomew’s name was removed from the joint statement issued after the meeting.