The September 22 article, laden with conspiracy theories and nationalist paranoia, represents the latest salvo in an ongoing campaign by Turkish nationalist media to delegitimize and intimidate the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians. The piece's inflammatory headline declares the Patriarch has "embraced Trump" to create a "religious Incirlik base" – a provocative reference to the U.S. military installation in Turkey.
Weaponizing the Treaty of Lausanne
In tandem with the well-known Turkish nationalist rhetoric, the Oda TV article repeatedly invokes the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, claiming the Ecumenical Patriarchate is violating its provisions by maintaining international connections and using the title "Ecumenical." This represents a fundamental misunderstanding – or deliberate misrepresentation – of both religious freedom and the Patriarchate's historical role dating back 17 centuries.
The nationalist outlet accuses Patriarch Bartholomew of "complaining about Turkey" during his recent U.S. visit, framing any discussion of minority rights as an act of betrayal. This characterization reveals the precarious position of religious minorities in Turkey, where even speaking about their challenges is branded as treasonous behavior.
Conspiracy Theories and Geopolitical Paranoia
Perhaps most troubling is the article's descent into conspiracy theorizing, suggesting the Patriarchate is part of an American plot to establish a "religious base" in Istanbul that Turkey cannot control. The piece claims the U.S. and Britain want to use the Patriarchate as a tool against Russia in Eastern Europe and the Balkans.
Such rhetoric dangerously politicizes what is fundamentally a religious institution and its spiritual leader. By framing the Patriarchate's international religious connections as a national security threat, Oda TV contributes to an atmosphere of suspicion and hostility toward Turkey's already vulnerable Christian minority.
Denying Religious Authority
The article goes to great lengths to minimize the Patriarch's religious authority, arguing that other Orthodox churches only recognize him as an "honorary leader" and citing selective examples to support this claim. This represents an inappropriate interference by nationalist media in internal Orthodox Christian affairs and attempts to isolate the Patriarchate from its global flock.
The piece even criticizes the Patriarch's involvement in international peace conferences, suggesting his participation in discussions about Ukraine represents overstepping boundaries – as if religious leaders should have no voice in matters of war and peace.
Retaliation for White House Meeting
The timing of Oda TV's inflammatory article is particularly revealing – it appeared just seven days after Patriarch Bartholomew's private Oval Office meeting with President Trump on September 15, 2025. During that meeting, attended by Vice President JD Vance and other senior officials, the Patriarch openly discussed "the hardships, difficulties, and persecutions" faced by Christians in Turkey, according to his subsequent press conference.
Patriarch Bartholomew specifically raised concerns about the Turkish government's continued closure of the Theological School of Halki and spoke candidly about the challenges facing Turkey's dwindling Christian population. He also discussed Russia's war against Ukraine and the persecution of Christians in the Middle East with President Trump, who expressed "immense interest" in both the Ecumenical Patriarchate's global ministry and the difficulties endured by Turkish Christians.