Delegation from Turkey’s ruling AKP Party visits Ecumenical Patriarchate

A delegation from Turkey’s ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the Phanar district of Istanbul on Thursday, November 5, 2026.

The delegation was led by Dr. Fatih Tuna, Vice President of the AKP’s Constantinople organization responsible for Foreign Relations, and Saliha Demirer, President of the party’s Women’s Branch in Constantinople. They were accompanied by party officials and associates.

The visitors were welcomed at the Patriarchal Headquarters by Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi.

The meeting took place in a cordial and friendly atmosphere, with both sides discussing matters concerning the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Greek Orthodox community of Constantinople.

Following the meeting, members of the delegation were given a guided tour of the Patriarchal Headquarters, with particular emphasis on the Patriarchal Library.

During their visit, they had the opportunity to examine rare early printed books and manuscript codices.

Clergy and staff of the Ecumenical Patriarchate provided information about the history and significance of these valuable documents, highlighting their importance as part of the Church’s…