New York, NY – Last week, Archbishop Demetrios of America appeared to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France in defense of the rights of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Archbishop was part of a delegation that also included His Eminence Metropolitan Meliton of Philadelphia from the Ecumenical Patriarchate and His Eminence Metropolitan Emmanuel of France. In addition to the attorneys for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Rev. Fr. Alexander Karloutsos, spiritual advisor to the Order of Archons, Attorney Michael Lambros of Atlanta and attorneys from the European Centre for Law and Justice, and Archon Commander Anthony Limberakis, Archon Christopher Stratakis, Archon George Rockas, Archon John Zavitsanos, and Dr. Andrew Ekonomou were present.  Although the primary issue before the Court was that of property rights, the Archbishop noted:

“It is very significant that the European Court of Human Rights referred to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in every instance, printed and oral as Ecumenical. Such language is indicative that the recognition we seek is part and parcel of a common understanding of who and what we are. The Ecumenical Patriarchate is recognized around the world for its trans-national spiritual ministry of Orthodox Witness and peace-making and reconciliation in the family of humankind.”

Following the appearance at the Court, the delegation proceeded to the Phanar for an audience with His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. After briefing his All Holiness, the Archbishop and clergy had to return to the United States. The Archon delegation remained in Turkey, traveling overnight by automobile to Ankara for meetings with Turkish officials, and returning to the Phanar in time for the celebrations surrounding the Thronal Feast of the St. Andrew the First-Called Apostle.