His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Friday, September 19, 2025 delivered a remarkable address on the role of religion in public life and the global geopolitical situation at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York City. His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America then entertained questions on various topics of pressing interest from Frances Fragos Townsend, a member of the Board of Directors of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Also present was His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America; the Hierarchs and other members of the Patriarchal delegation; the Spiritual Advisor of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Rev. Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Alexander Karloutsos; Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; the Hon. B. Theodore Bozonelis, National Vice Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate; and many other Archons and dignitaries.
In his remarks, His All-Holiness stated that the Council on Foreign Relations was “a most valuable and significant center of thought and dialogue in our world today.” He noted that “in these September days when the UN brings together the political leadership of our planet, we feel a special responsibility to bring a religious perspective to the global conversation.”
Among other topics, His All-Holiness discussed ethnophyletism, the heretical notion that the universal Church should be divided among various nationalities and ethnicities. He also provided an important perspective on the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.
