Discussions on the Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Ecumenism and the Facts

Seperation of Roman Empire in to two and acceptance of Constantinapole as the capital city of Byzantine Empire bring Constantinapole Bishopric into prominence. To gain political power, Byzantine Emperor has given the status of Patriarchy and the title of ecumenism to the Bishopric. This situation has not been accepted by the other ecumenical churches and they have protested him. The Ottoman Empire, by giving some competences to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchal, put Patriarch under the duty of head of people. Although this duty was only valid inside the borders of Ottoman Empire and did not involve any implication to ecumenism, the Patriarch has worked actively, especially during the decline stage, to fragmantate Ottoman Empire s territories. During the period of National Struggle, Patriarchate had the role of mischief and served as focus of betrayal activities, weapon depot for Greek gangs and military training slots. With the Lausanne, the Patriarchate becomes a religious Turkish Institution which deals with the religeiux needs of Orthodox minorities in Turkey. Until the 1980’s the ecumenism has not been in the question; since the 1990’s the Patriarchate begins to set up a pretension of ecumenism with the support of the U.S.A, E.U. and Greece. Ecumenism does not agree neither with the Constitution and laws of secularistic Republic of Turkey nor the preceptions of Lousanne. The Patriarch can not use a title unless the laws itself allow to. Ecumenism is not just a matter of concern to the Orthodox religion and Orthodox churches; at the same time, it relates with the State of the Turkish Republic. Turkey, which has a population of 99% of Muslim does not want an independent Orthodox authority in its own territory.