Summary
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, a key leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians, is visiting the United States to meet with President Donald Trump and receive the Templeton Prize for his work in environmental protection. He will participate in multiple events from his arrival in Washington on September 17 through September 25. Bartholomew is known for his environmental advocacy and support of Ukraine, which has caused tensions with the Russian Orthodox Church.
Key Facts
- Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is visiting the U.S. for the first time in four years.
- He met with President Donald Trump during his visit.
- Bartholomew will receive the Templeton Prize in New York for his contributions to environmental advocacy.
- He is known as the "green patriarch" for emphasizing environmental issues like pollution and deforestation.
- Bartholomew has supported Ukraine's independent Orthodox church, which has led to a rift with the Russian Orthodox Church.
- Discussions with Trump may include political topics such as the status of Christians in Turkey.
- He oversees Orthodox Christian communities in Turkey and abroad, including in the U.S.
- The Eastern Orthodox Church is the second-largest Christian group in the world.
