Browsing: Eastern Orthodox hierarchy

Source: Chicago Tribune By Mitch Smith, Chicago Tribune reporter May 13, 2013 Springfield is a long way from Istanbul — 5,660 miles, in fact — but Illinois state senators are considering a resolution that would criticize Turkey’s treatment of the Eastern Orthodox religious hierarchy. Even though a majority of senators have co-sponsored the nonbinding measure, it may not make it to a vote. Orthodox Christians say their leader, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, has been marginalized and mistreated by a Turkish government that has also seized church lands, imposed onerous citizenship requirements and closed an important religious school. Local Orthodox…