The face of Turkish Islam

Turkey bars Orthodox prelate from visiting

Ankara, Aug. 14, 2007 (CWNews.com) - The Turkish government has barred a proposed visit by the Orthodox Archbishop Chrysostomos of Cyprus, for the second time in 4 months, the AsiaNews service reports.

Archbishop Chrysostomos had planned the August visit in order to meet with Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, the leading prelate in the Orthodox world. Earlier plans for a meeting in May had also been thwarted by Turkey's refusal to admit Cypriot prelate.

Orthodox officials stressed that the visit by Archbishop Chrysostomos would have been entirely religious, rather than political. But the Ankara government has been displeased with the archbishop's strong criticism of Turkish involvement in Cyprus.

Moreover a Turkish court recently announced that Patriarch Bartholomew has authority only over the small Orthodox community in Istanbul; the government refuses to recognize his status as the "first among equals" in the world's Orthodox hierarchy. The Ankara does not recognize any reason for an Orthodox leader from Cyprus to visit the Ecumenical Patriarch.

The government's refusal to allow a visit by Archbishop Chyrsostomos will strengthen the arguments that have been raised against Turkey's admittance into the European Union. Critics of the regime have repeatedly insisted that Ankara should not be allowed entry into the EU until the government shows a willingness to respond the religious freedoms of the Christian minority.

Responding to the Turkish government's decision to bar his entry, Archbishop Chrysostomos remarked that "Ankara has shown its real face."

Read my blog for more than 10 days and you'll know my stance on the government of Turkey. Is it their hope to make it so uncomfortable for His All Holiness that he'll just leave? How confident can they be in their faith if they fear a man who they say only speaks for the few thousand Orthodox believers left in Constantinople? Do we leave that area of the world to Muslims and consider the matter closed?

O Lord our God, You lowered the heavens when You came down for the salvation of the human race.

Now look upon your servants and upon your inheritance; for they have bowed their heads to You, the Judge, both awesome and loving.

They do not await human help, but look for your mercy and are ready to receive your salvation.

Guard them at all times, this evening and tonight against all enemies, against the devil's assaults, against vain thoughts and evil dreams.

May the might of your kingdom be blessed and exalted, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.

Amen.