Bartholomew, Karloutsos, and the Circus of Phanariots: A Disastrous “Apostolic” Visit

PHOTO: Take a good look at Karloutsos’ attitude. A normal leader would take a hint from J.D. Vance’s monumental slap in the Oval Office and demand that Zelensky respect religious freedom in Ukraine. I would bet anything the “Deep State” agent Karloutsos does the exact opposite…He – and the rest – did not have the decency even to announce the issue and kept all press (Except the Orthodox Observer) out of the meeting!! Monumental callousness!!

ΕΑΝ ΠΡΟΤΙΜΑΤΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΠΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΤΗ ΣΗΜΑΙΑ ΣΤΟ ΚΑΤΩ ΜΕΡΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΘΟΝΗΣ

From hollow “admissions” in Ukraine to desperate photo-ops with Zelensky, Bartholomew’s U.S. trip exposed the arrogance, duplicity, and money-hunger of the Phanar. Instead of leading America’s youth back to the Faith, Bartholomew and Elpidophoros water it down with globalism, ecumenism, and empty green slogans.

By Helleniscope’s Editorial Team

Patriarch Bartholomew’s so-called “Apostolic Visit” to America has turned into one of the most embarrassing chapters of his long reign. Instead of strengthening the faithful and rallying the youth to Orthodoxy, it has exposed – in full daylight – the arrogance, duplicity, and tone-deafness of the Phanar and its enablers in America.

Admissions That Mean Nothing

Twice in September 2025, Bartholomew admitted he made mistakes in Ukraine. First, in a startling confession reported by the Union of Orthodox Journalists (link here), and then again last week in his interview to the Greek media in Washington, D.C. where he said: “I make mistakes, Ι am not infallible – even the Pope who says he is infallible makes mistakes!!.” (minute 31:10 of this video, which we posted before).

But what is an admission of error worth if no action follows it? A real leader, religious or political or otherwise, does not simply say “I was wrong” — he corrects his mistakes. Without correction, these words are hollow, cynical, and even insulting to the millions of faithful suffering under persecution in Ukraine.

Karloutsos and the Circus of “Damage Control”

Enter Karloutsos. Every blunder from Bartholomew, in his eyes, is not a spiritual failure but a “P.R. problem.” Since the humiliating slap in the face from Vice President J.D. Vance in the Oval Office, Karloutsos has been desperately scrambling to change the narrative.

First, Bartholomew gives a press conference trying to turn black into white. When that backfires, as the real news leaked through Ukraine and was picked up by Helleniscope, Karloutsos invents a grandiose award for himself — the unheard-of title of “Grand Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne.” A Byzantine historian will search in vain for such a title. It never existed. It is a monument to arrogance and Phanariot duplicity. Do they genuinely believe the faithful are so stupid as to take this seriously? Sadly, yes, they do.

The result? Laughter. The faithful are laughing at Bartholomew and Karloutsos. Their pompous charade has become a parody.

PHOTO: Focusing on Karloutsos’ dark face, you get an idea of how big a disaster the “Apostolic Visit” has been!! 

Running to Zelensky – How Low Can They Go?

And so, desperate for cover, they arrange a meeting with none other than Volodymyr Zelensky — conveniently in New York for the UN Assembly. A meeting that was never included in the Patriarch’s official schedule!! Was the meeting held at GOARCH headquarters, where it might have at least symbolized ecclesial authority? No. It was staged at Ukraine’s Permanent Mission to the UN. The symbolism could not be clearer: Phanariots running to the politicians, begging for validation.

The photos they themselves posted on Facebook speak louder than any words.

Money, Always Money

Meanwhile, tensions are boiling with the Archons. The Patriarchate was eyeing millions from Leadership 100, which boasts an endowment of over $100 million. Instead, Leadership 100 granted only $500,000. Not enough for the money-hungry Phanariots and their Archon friends, who always demand more. The faithful are not blind: they see the endless appetite for wealth disguised as “support for the Patriarchate.” The rift among the Archons and the faithful are visible with a naked eye: Everyone is drenching them in ridicule… but they think it is harmless rain…

The Real Turning Point – And a Missed Opportunity

What is truly tragic is the lost opportunity. Across America, the youth are rediscovering traditional Christian values: Faith, Family, and Nation. For decades, the Church lamented the alienation of young people. Now that they are returning, ready to embrace authentic Orthodoxy, Bartholomew and Elpidophoros are turning their backs on them.

Instead of preaching Family values and unwavering Faith, they offer “green” nonsense, ecumenism, pan-religion, and the repression of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine.

This is a turning point in history — a colossal moment when America’s youth are searching for Truth. And the leadership of the Church is not only absent but actively betraying this moment.

Here is a recent interview with Charlie Kirk and Orthodox priest Fr. John Strickland. Open your eyes and ears!! 

Shame on the Leadership

Shame on Bartholomew.
Shame on Elpidophoros.
Shame on Karloutsos and the Archons who enable this charade.
Shame on every priest who does not raise his voice in defense of Family, Faith, and Nation.

From the Phanar all the way down to the smallest parish, silence in the face of this betrayal is complicity.

The faithful must no longer remain silent. Clergy, laity, and especially our youth must demand accountability from their hierarchs. We cannot allow Orthodoxy in America to be reduced to P.R. gimmicks, political photo-ops, and endless fundraisers.

September 23, 2025, n.stamatakis@aol.com   www.helleniscope.com

DISCLAIMER: The views and statements expressed in this article constitute constitutionally protected opinions of this author.

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