In response, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has called these charges “unsubstantiated slanders, which are highly inflammatory and upsetting to the Christian and Jewish members of our people. As this action was very painful, very grave and irresponsible, and made further allegations, we consider it necessary to explain to the public our concerns in order to reduce the false claims against the Orthodox community in Turkey. Unfortunately, the racist manifestations and violations that have been committed in various countries are likely to be perpetrated against us.”
That is indeed likely.
“Targeting of Bartholomew by a Turkish magazine – Concern at the Patriarchate,” translated from “Στοχοποίηση Βαρθολομαίου από τουρκικό περιοδικό – Ανησυχία στο Πατριαρχείο,” <a href=”https://www.skai.gr/news/world/stoxopoiisi-vartholomaiou-apo-tourkiko-periodiko-anisyxia-sto-patriarxeio” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”>Skai.gr</a>, May 11, 2020:
A dangerous article has been published in a Turkish magazine from the group that also publishes Yeni Şafak. It accuses many members of the minority, including Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, of helping Fethullah Gulen stage a coup against Tayyip Erdogan. In fact, the article also has photos of the people it accuses, among which the Ecumenical Patriarch can be seen. Patriarchate: Danger of racist attacks and desecration The Ecumenical Patriarchate said in a statement that the publication was targeting members of the community and religious leaders with false allegations. It expressed strong concern about the high risk of racist attacks and desecration. It is worth noting that just two days ago, there was an arson attack on an Armenian Church, with the perpetrator claiming that the Armenian community was to blame for the coronavirus.