The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, His All-Holiness Bartholomew I, departed for the Patriarchal see on Sunday from the United States, where he concluded a two-week Apostolic visit.
On this day of His departure for Constantinople, the Ecumenical Patriarch addressed a message of thanks and congratulations to the Greek diaspora in the United States, the American people, the Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, as well as the physicians and medical staff that treated him during a successful stent placement late last week.
The Ecumenical Patriarch underlined, among others, that “…upon our departure from the United States we extend to everyone our paternal and patriarchal satisfaction for this visit to a truly great country. We were able to meet new faces, make new friends, as well as reconnect with many dear old friends.”
Additionally, the Primate of the Mother Church added that “…We express our gratitude to our dear brother Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the Metropolitans of the Holy Eparchial Synod, as well as the Auxiliary Bishops. We also thank the holy clergy and people as well as all the faithful we visited.”
His All-Holiness said he and the Patriarchal delegation had the opportunity to meet with many faithful and leaders in the United States, while particularly praising America as a country of freedom, where every human being is respected regardless of their beliefs.
“…We pray fervently for the people of the United States to enjoy spiritual prosperity, values of peace, love, brotherhood, and the triumph of liberty.”
Finally, His All-Holiness Bartholomew I emphasized that the roots of the Archdiocese of America have deep roots in the history and tradition of the Mother Church. “Keep these traditions strong and stay firm in the Orthodox Faith,” he concluded.
