By: Theodoros

Theodoros — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 04:39:26 +0000

The problems of the Christians in Turkey go beyond discrimination.
Violence and terrorism are routine. There have been six assasination
attempts directed against the Ecumenical Patriarch between 1993 and
2007, including bombings at the phanar. Racist groups such as the
infamous “Grey Wolves” (one of whose members tried to assasinate John
Paul II in 1981) have tended to gather in front of the Phanar to chant
“death to the Patriarch” and to burn him in effigy.

About three years ago, a Catholic priest in Trebizond (a breeding ground
for Islamic extremists) was murdered. Also, the above news item does not
refer to the Armenian Church which is also undergoing severe difficulties.

In September 2009, the cemetary of the Ecumenical Patriarchate was
violated in which 90 tombs were desecrated.

Turkey has been firmly consistant in refusing to recognize the rights of
any Christians in Turkey.

Time is on the side of the Turks as far as the Ecumenical Patriarchate is
concerned. They are running out the clock. The Phanar must either
intensify its efforts to survive or relocate.

Theodoros

Comments on: ‘No progress’ in Turkey

By: Theodoros