Patriarch Bartholomew: Increasing Number of Young People Turning to Orthodoxy

Patriarch Bartholomew spoke about the increasing number of young people voluntarily turning to Orthodoxy. Speaking from Phanar, the Ecumenical Patriarchate does not seek proselytism but accepts those who voluntarily come to the Orthodox Church.

Specifically, Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized: "The line of our Ecumenical Patriarchate is not to force anyone, not to pressure anyone, but whoever comes voluntarily, willingly, spontaneously, we cannot cast them out."

The Patriarch participated in the services of Thomas Sunday at the Holy Patriarchal Church in Phanar, in the presence of believers from Greece and abroad. He also referred to the ecumenical character of the Church and the willingness to welcome everyone, regardless of origin.

Regarding the issue of baptisms, the Patriarch noted that while Catholics in Constantinople baptize many non-Christians, the Orthodox Church is not in a hurry to baptize those who come.