Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople: Muslims embrace Orthodoxy “of their own free will”

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople has said that Muslims are voluntarily converting to Orthodox Christianity successful notable numbers, stressing that the Church will not turn distant those who travel of their ain escaped will.

According to The Atlas Wire, (a κοινωνικά media based Greek media outlet), the Patriarch made the remarks during Sunday services astatine the Patriarchal Cathedral successful the Phanar connected April 19, 2026. Bartholomew emphasised that the Patriarchate does not prosecute successful proselytism.

“The Patriarchate does not prosecute proselytism and will ne'er unit anyone to convert,” helium said, adding that those who travel of “their ain escaped will cannot beryllium refused.”

He described the Church arsenic unfastened to each people, noting that “the Church’s clasp extends to Greeks, Flemish, Carpatho-Russians, Ukrainians, French, Koreans, and anyone other imaginable.”

The Patriarch pointed to what helium described arsenic a increasing trend among young and educated individuals seeking retired the Orthodox faith.

“They consciousness an interior void that they find filled successful Christianity, and specifically successful Orthodoxy,” helium said.

He noted that Catholics successful Constantinople are baptising galore non-Christians, but said the Orthodox Church is likewise receiving important numbers, while taking a measured approach.

“The Church is successful nary hurry to unreserved anyone to baptism,” helium said.

Framing the contented successful theological alternatively than governmental terms, Bartholomew spoke of the “Kingdom of God arsenic something contiguous within people,” expressing anticipation that it would proceed to grow crossed the world.

The remarks were delivered during Great Vespers astatine the Phanar, where the Patriarch had presided the evening earlier the Sunday liturgy, which was celebrated by Metropolitan Joseph of Proconnesus.

The Phanar, located successful (Constantinople) Istanbul, remains the historical spot of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which operates under important constraints arsenic a Christian instauration successful a predominantly Muslim country. Bartholomew has led the Patriarchate since 1991 and often uses such gatherings to bespeak connected the Church’s planetary mission.