The Turkey Based Patriarch Of The Old Orthodox Christian Church Feels Crucified: 60 Minutes 8/8/2010
August 9th, 2010 - 8:10 pm ICT by Pen Men At Work
August 9, 2010 (Pen Men at Work): It is surprising that the Patriarch of the Christian world, Bartholomew, lives in a country which boasts of an overwhelming Muslim majority. It is even more amazing to note that he is in fact, second only to the Holy Pope when it comes to authority in the Christian world. He heads the sect of 300 odd orthodox Christians in Istanbul, Turkey.
He is of the most important lineage of Christians who have resided in the area following the cruxification of Jesus Christ. It was when the city was known as Constantinople and served as the most important city of the Christian world.
However, the story was broadcast last December and went on to expound how the patriarch is not made to feel welcome in his home city any longer. The Christian churches, monasteries and schools have all begun to feel threatened by the fanatic followers of the Islam and Bartholomew’s followers feel that the patriarch and their ancient church is under significant threat as well.
Bob Simon, the correspondent of 60 minutes first met the ‘His All Holiness, Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, Ecumenical Patriarch at Istanbul during Easter. He had laughingly referred that the official form of addressing him was ‘your all holiness’ but he was quite satisfied being called by his Christian name, Bartholomew.
The headquarters that serve as his office are cramped and bereft of all adornments. It is quite the opposite of what one gets to see in Vatican. It is officially known as ‘Phanar’ and has been in force since 1599.
When asked why he lives in a Muslim majority city of Istanbul, he simply answered that the Christians were there in the city since the very beginning. Before its residents embraced the faith of Islam.
However, the minarets dominate the skyline now and the old ancient patriarch of the Christian Church feels crucified living amidst people who threaten his religion.
The news story, broadcast in the December of 2009 can now be found under “60 minutes 8-8-2010” on the web.
- '60 Minutes' Reveals The Plight Of Orthodox Christians In Turkey - Aug 09, 2010
- 60 Minutes Interview: Orthodox Christian church patriarch feels 'crucified' in Turkey - Aug 09, 2010
- Apostle St. Philip's tomb found in Turkey - Jul 27, 2011
- Istanbul: A city with skyline specked with minarates and domes (IANS Travel - With Images) - May 30, 2010
- Syrian Christians fear Islamist rule if Assad goes - May 15, 2012
- 19th century painting sells for record $5.2 mn - Apr 26, 2012
- Ukraine seeks patriarch's blessing for separate church - Jul 27, 2008
- Fear grows as Nepal church escapes bomb attack - Aug 29, 2011
- Italian Muslims unveil mosque with church model - Sep 12, 2010
- Muslim extremist threat forces Spain's 'La Meca' nightclub to change its name - Sep 17, 2010
- Muslim TV stations remove controversial show on Jesus - Aug 14, 2010
- Eid-ul-Zuha is about the spirit of sacrifice (Comment) - Nov 07, 2011
- Nigeria: Death toll in Jos church attack reaches 19 - Mar 13, 2012
- Christians flee Karachi after getting threats - Nov 27, 2010
- Pope urges more protection for Christians in Iraq - Jul 03, 2010
Tags: 60 minutes, adornments, bob simon, christian churches, constantinople, cruxification of jesus, ecumenical patriarch, holiness bartholomew, holy pope, istanbul turkey, jesus christ, men at work, minarets, monasteries, muslim majority, new rome, orthodox christian church, orthodox christians, pen men, phanar