The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate condemn the recent act of vandalism at Aghios Eleftherios Cemetery in Constantinople. As the cemetery’s trustees have stated, this is an attack “not only on a cemetery, but also on a deep-rooted cultural heritage and religion.” This is still another act of contempt for religious freedom that has taken place without, as of yet, an adequate response from the Turkish government.

The vandalism of this cemetery was a deliberate act of desecration and hatred for the Greek Orthodox community of Constantinople. Even the guard dogs that patrol the site were sedated so that this crime against the cultural heritage of Constantinople and Turkey as a whole could be committed.

The Archons call upon the government of Turkey to apprehend the perpetrators swiftly and bring them to justice in a manner that will reaffirm the government’s stated commitment to religious tolerance and religious freedom.

Without such decisive and unequivocal action from the Turkish government, the vandalism at Aghios Eleftherios Cemetery, which was established in 1865, will stand as a haunting reminder of the increasingly precarious position of religious minority communities in Turkey.

The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate are firmly dedicated to protecting the future of faith for our beloved Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Greek Orthodox community of Constantinople, and for all Greek Orthodox Christians and people of faith worldwide. Accordingly, we express our deep sorrow to the Greek Orthodox community of Tatavla over this vandalism, and hope that the government of Turkey will quickly provide this community with adequate redress.

Yours in the service of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,