Dear Brother Archons and Friends of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate,
The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission on June 3 drew much-needed attention to the deteriorating situation for religious freedom and human rights in the Republic of Turkey. During the commission’s annual hearing on the state of democracy in Turkey, members of Congress and expert witnesses examined President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s continued consolidation of power, and its ominous implications for religious minorities, including, of course, the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the long-suffering Greek Orthodox Christians of Constantinople. Commission Member Archon Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) played a key role in the proceedings, asking pointed questions about the prospect of restoring Hagia Sophia to museum status, reopening Halki Seminary, and officially recognizing the Ecumenical status of the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople. Thank you, Archon Gus! Please read carefully the report from the American Hellenic Institute, as it provides a much-needed update on our common labors for the support and protection of our Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Yours in the service of our Holy Mother Church,
Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis
Archon Grand Aktouarios
National Commander
Congressional Hearing Highlights Accelerating Democratic Erosion in Turkey and Threats to Religious Freedom
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Hellenic Institute (AHI) highlighted key takeaways from a June 3 hearing convened by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission examining growing concerns about democratic backsliding, religious freedom, and minority rights in Turkey. During the commission’s third consecutive annual hearing on the state of democracy in Turkey, members of Congress and expert witnesses examined the continued consolidation of power under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and its implications for religious minorities, political opposition, and freedom of the press. The hearing was attended by Commission Co-Chairs U.S. Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ) and U.S. Rep. James McGovern (D-MA). Commission Member U.S. Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) also joined the proceedings.
