Patriarch Bartholomew positioned himself as the elder brother in the family of Orthodox Local Churches during his meeting with Joseph Biden on October 25, 2021 in Washington, USA. The head of Phanar told reporters about the details of the conversation in the Oval Office of the White House at the end of the talks, Pravlife reports.

“We are obliged to lead the Local Autocephalous Churches as the elder brother of one family. This feeling of family is inherently Orthodox, and we cannot allow any short-sighted political views to interfere with our relationship, which takes place in Christ Jesus, Lord and Savior of the world, ”Patriarch Bartholomew told the President of the United States.

He expressed concern about the instability of global stability, and also noted the role that “constructive and positive religious movements” can play in ensuring stability.

Patriarch Bartholomew stressed that his actions “to promote Christian unity, interfaith understanding and cooperation are based on only one principle – dialogue.” He added that he considers dialogue “as the most effective means of solving any problems of the present or future.”

According to the head of Phanar, in response, Joseph Biden thanked him for many years of efforts in this direction.

On the same day, the Primate of the Orthodox Church of Constantinople met with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken. The parties discussed the US commitment to supporting religious freedom around the world and opportunities to cooperate with the Orthodox Christian community around the world on issues of common interest, as well as with religious minorities in Turkey and the region.