How the NonOrthodox see Patriarch Bartholemew

[Dorothea]

I was reading up on news stories, and here's an excerpt to one:

One major religious figure who has long showed dedication to the environment has been Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew (left), who since 1991 has been the spiritual leader of the world’s 300-million Eastern Orthodox Christians.



http://communities.canada.com/vancouversun/blogs/thesearch/archive/2008/05/29/christians-have-lead-environmental-movement-for-decades.aspx

The red highlighted was my emphasis. I think it's out of ignorance. I don't think most understand the hierachy and structure of our churches.

[Macarius]

That actually seems rather proper... If by 1991 they mean when he was elevated to the see of Constantinople. Spiritual leader is much closer than just saying "leader" or "1st bishop" - those would be much more misleading.

It's tough to think of a short phrase that summarizes the role of the EP in the Church for the non-Orthodox (specifically in the West).

[Vasileios]

Thank you. I agree.

[Dorothea]

That actually seems rather proper... If by 1991 they mean when he was elevated to the see of Constantinople. Spiritual leader is much closer than just saying "leader" or "1st bishop" - those would be much more misleading.

It's tough to think of a short phrase that summarizes the role of the EP in the Church for the non-Orthodox (specifically in the West).

Yes, I agree.

[Mary of Bethany]

It's the same thing they say about the Archbishop of Canterbury being the "head of the world's Anglicans", even though his position is much the same as the Ecumenical Patriarch is for Orthodoxy. The media just needs something to hang their hat on. :)

Mary

[Xpycoctomos]

That actually seems rather proper... If by 1991 they mean when he was elevated to the see of Constantinople. Spiritual leader is much closer than just saying "leader" or "1st bishop" - those would be much more misleading.

It's tough to think of a short phrase that summarizes the role of the EP in the Church for the non-Orthodox (specifically in the West).

That's an interesting point.

How could it be described? We say "first among equals" but what does that mean practically. What DID it mean int he Early Church? Did it mean anything more (or less if that's possible) than it does now? I always wanted to have a discussion on this. Seems appropriate here.???

[Rowan]

That's an interesting point.

How could it be described? We say "first among equals" but what does that mean practically. What DID it mean int he Early Church? Did it mean anything more (or less if that's possible) than it does now? I always wanted to have a discussion on this. Seems appropriate here.???

Appeals to Rome?

[Akathist]

I saw something on TV a while ago in which the EP was present. I think it was a news show by one of the main USA networks.

From my memory, I recall being a bit concerned that he was referred to as the "leader of Orthodox Christians".

I honestly think that those outside the Orthodox Church consider him to be like the "Pope" but for Orthodox Christians.

I was explaining how they had this wrong to a friend of mine and she had trouble "getting it". Finally I said "He is like the Chairman of the Board but the Board can outvote him. The Board is all the other Patriarchs." But I know that is not accurate either. I don't think there is a way to explain his role in simple sound bites.