NEVSEHIR - Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Bartholomeos said on Sunday that the open-air rites in Cappadocia were an expression of tolerance in Turkey.
Replying questions of reporters, Bartholomeos said that there was not any development regarding re-opening of clergy school in Heybeliada but they were hopeful.
Bartholomeos noted that he had not yet met with the prime minister but he thought of going to Ankara in coming days.
He would convey their views to the prime minister and some ministers including national education minister in a written and verbal way, Bartholomeos stated.
Noting that recent developments in Cyprus were very pleasing, Bartholomeos said that they were pleased with that positive atmosphere in Cyprus and hoped that a better atmosphere would be created each passing day.
Bartholomeos added that he hoped that Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot administrators would live in friendship, peace, unity and solidarity.
Later, Bartholomeos conducted the rite in Constantine Elene Church in Mustafapasa hamlet in Urgup town of central Nevsehir province.
Georgian Partriarch Ilia II, Alexandria Partriarch Alexandra Petras, Edmond Farhat, Ambassador of Vatican, and Georgian Ambassador Tariyel Lebonidi, and members of Orthodox society coming from Greece, Georgia and Istanbul attended the rite.
Bartholomeos said that they held the rite for world peace.
The rite once more put forth tolerance among religions, Bartholomeos added.
(BRC-AY) 18.05.2003