ΕΑΝ ΠΡΟΤΙΜΑΤΕ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΑ ΠΑΤΗΣΤΕ ΤΗ ΣΗΜΑΙΑ ΣΤΟ ΚΑΤΩ ΜΕΡΟΣ ΤΗΣ ΟΘΟΝΗΣ

By Helleniscope’s Editorial Team

The Patriarch’s visit to St. George Church in NYC, which is deeply rooted in the history of the Hellenic community in the U.S., featured some engaging visuals, posted by the “Archons of Disaster” on their Facebook page.  All the hierarchs of GOARCH were there and paid tribute… However, our attention was drawn to Patriarch Bartholomew’s left hand, which was filled with golden coins. What were they?

Let’s focus on the hand…

No, don’t rush to judgment!!… Ha…ha… Helleniscope had many opportunities to explore his “All Holiness’s” love for money, especially the money coming from America, Ukraine, and Greece… BUT, this is not the case… The “Green” Patriarch is distributing money this time. Yes, you heard right – he is distributing money!! What an excellent “damage control” play by Karloutsos!!

Helleniscope wasn’t present to hear the official explanation, but we did some research. The golden coins held by Patriarch Bartholomew during his visit to St. George Church are likely symbolic “blessing coins” or “patriarchal coins.”These coins are often used in the Orthodox Christian tradition to commemorate significant events or visits. They are sometimes given out as tokens of blessing or as part of liturgical ceremonies. The coins are often minted with images of the Patriarch, significant religious symbols, or important dates tied to the event they are marking. In some cases, these coins are also considered a gesture of good fortune or a reminder of the visit or blessing.
We were not present, but Helleniscope has eyes and ears everywhere… As we have said, we are practicing “people’s journalism”... Nothing escapes the attention of the countless Helleniscope journalists!!! So here they are:

The one side features an icon of St. George and reads: “Apostolic Visit of Patriarch Bartholomew to Saint George Tropeoforos, September 24, 2025.”  The other side has St. George at the Phanar.

Why do they insist on “Apostolic”?

Can someone explain to the so-called “theologians” of GOARCH and the Patriarchate that the term “Apostolic” is not “legit” for Orthodoxy? The term “apostolic visit” does not have the same theological significance in Orthodox Christianity as it does in Catholicism. In Catholicism, an “Apostolic Visit” typically refers to a visit made by the Pope or a papal representative (usually an apostolic nuncio) to a country or a region, often to oversee ecclesiastical matters and represent the Pope’s authority.

In Orthodoxy, the term is not commonly used. However, similar visits do occur, often involving bishops or patriarchs from one Orthodox Church visiting another to maintain communion, offer pastoral care, or address specific issues. These visits are usually referred to as “pastoral visits” or “official visits” rather than “apostolic visits.” The theological understanding in Orthodoxy places less emphasis on a singular leader, such as the Pope, with authority being more conciliar, shared among the patriarchs and synods.

Visits made by the Patriarch of Constantinople to other churches may seem similar to “Apostolic”, but they are best understood in terms of communion, solidarity, and shared apostolic heritage, rather than as representing a central papal authority.

September 25, 2025, n.stamatakis@aol.com   www.helleniscope.com

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3 COMMENTS

  1. Well, since he is the “one without equals”, his visits must be without equal too, above “pastoral” and “official”, so why not “apostolic”? Anything goes! He probably things he is a saint, equal with the apostles. But I would not feel blessed getting coins from him. If I would run into him and he would give me those coins, I would say, no thanks. You can keep your coins.

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