Thaindian News

By Meena Kar
Aug 9, (THAINDIAN NEWS) In the latest episode of ‘60 minutes’ the audience found themselves shocked to learn that one of the most important Christian leaders of the world feels ‘crucified’ living in a country which is Muslim dominated. With as many as 300 million followers world wide Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew feels that the future of the Church in Turkey is threatened as there have been attacks over the years on the Christian properties as well as anti-Christian movements.

On the show, correspondent Bob Simpson interviewed the Patriarch on the issues that plague Christendom in Turkey. The audience were also made aware of the historical importance of Christianity in Turkey. Bob Simpson asked the question that why is such an important leader as him living in a country that has complete Muslim dominance. To this Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew said that the Christians were here before the Muslims arrived and the city signified the beginning of the Church of Constantinople.

The episode threw light on the forgotten history of the city of Istanbul which was earlier known as Constantinople. Considered one of the most important cities in world history in terms of history and religion, ‘60 Minutes’ showed the changes that have come over the years. Empty churches and lack of recognition of the minority religion by the government is almost threatening to destroy the very foundations of Christendom. The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who is the leader of 300 Million of the world’s orthodox Christians, said that he is adamant to stay in Turkey because he felt that the orthodox Christians loved the country they were born in and want to die. At the turn of the century there were as many as 2 million orthodox Christians but now there are merely 4000 left.