The controversy arose from remarks made by the archbishop during the recent Greek Independence Day celebration at the White House. Turkish journalist and columnist Erol Kara, who represents the nationalist group Blue Homeland Union in Elazig province, east of Ankara, condemned the Archbishop’s references as “anti-Turkish” and a “scandal.”
Speaking on local broadcaster Kanal23, Kara demanded that Elpidophoros be barred from entering Turkey, accusing him of repeatedly referring to Patriarch Bartholomew as “ecumenical.”
Turkey does not recognize the ecumenical status of the Greek Orthodox patriarch, acknowledging him only as the head of the Orthodox Church in Turkey.
Kara also criticized Elpidophoros for using the name “Constantinople,” the historical name of the city when it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire, instead of “Istanbul.”
He further urged Turkish prosecutors to take legal action against the archbishop and called on nationalist and conservative factions to respond.
“I ask the prosecutors to do what is necessary for this man who acts against the Republic of Turkey,” he said.