Phanar: Name of the Ecumenical Patriarch not to be used in university processes

The Phanar has issued an announcement requesting that the name of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew not be used in university processes.

According to the announcement, the name of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has recently been involved in university procedures for awarding honorary distinctions to Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne. It is emphasised that the Ecumenical Patriarch is not involved in these processes, which exceed his responsibilities.

Read below the full announcement from the Phanar:

Considering that the name of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has recently been involved in a university process of awarding honorary distinctions to Hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne, it is hereby stated that:

a) His All-Holiness the Patriarch is not involved in such processes, which go beyond the limits of His responsibilities. The Ecumenical Patriarch respects the independence, judgment, and competence of Higher Education Institutions, most of which, both in Greece and abroad, have honored Him in various ways over time, for which he expresses his sincere gratitude.

b) The Patriarch rejoices whenever a Hierarch of the Mother Church is honoured, as such honours, including honorary distinctions, reflect positively on the institution of the Church of Constantinople, of which we are all members.

In conclusion, a request is made that the name of His All-Holiness not be used (positively or negatively) in similar university processes.

Phanar, May 24, 2024