The new US Consul General in Istanbul, Daria Darnell, visited the seat of the Ecumenical Patriarchate today, Tuesday, July 16, for the first time since taking office.

Ms. Darnell was welcomed by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, with whom she had a long discussion on current issues and the initiatives of the Mother Church of Constantinople, the Greek People and the Orthodox believers in Turkey, as well as Orthodoxy in the United States, on the occasion of the enthronement of the new Archbishop of America, Elpidophoros.

Immediately afterwards, the new Consul General was informed about the history and relics of the venerable Patriarchal church by the Patriarchal Deacon Jacob. (Photo by N. Manginas)