Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Meet with President Trump on September 16

NEW YORK:. – Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is expected to be received by U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at the White House, as part of his upcoming official visit to the United States. His All-Holiness is scheduled to arrive on Monday, September 15, at Joint Base Andrews near Washington, D.C.

On July 9, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America released the full itinerary of the Patriarch’s visit, which had previously been previewed by The National Herald on July 8.

According to the announcement:

“His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, the hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne in America, the clergy, and the faithful Orthodox people of the United States will joyfully welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States for an official visit in September 2025.”

The visit comes following the announcement by the John Templeton Foundation, the Templeton World Charity Foundation, and the Templeton Religion Trust that His All-Holiness is the recipient of the 2025 Templeton Prize, honoring his pioneering work in advancing interfaith dialogue and environmental stewardship.

Highlights of the Official Visit: 

• September 15: Arrival at Joint Base Andrews Military Facility, Washington, D.C. 

• September 16: Meeting with President Donald Trump, members of Congress, the Senate, and the Diplomatic Corps. 

• September 17: Patriarchal Great Doxology at St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church, Falls Church, VA. 

• September 18: Patriarchal Doxology at Saint Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine, New York City. 

• September 19: Address to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR); Patriarchal Audience with young adult leaders; St. Nicholas Gala at Casa Cipriani. 

• September 20: Honored as the “Green Patriarch” during International Coastal Cleanup Day at Stony Brook University Marine Station, Southampton; Synaxis of Hierarchs and Great Vespers at Dormition of the Virgin Mary Church, followed by a banquet. 

• September 21: Patriarchal Divine Liturgy at Dormition of the Virgin Mary Church, Hamptons, alongside Archbishop Elpidophoros and the Holy Eparchial Synod; Agape Reception and Patriarchal Blessing. 

• September 22: Reception and Blessing for the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation and the Order of Saint Andrew at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity; address at the Concordia Annual Summit, followed by dinner hosted by the Libra Group Family. 

• September 23: Patriarchal Audience with hierarchs, clergy, presvyteres, and monastics at the Cathedral; luncheon in honor of the Templeton Prize Committee hosted by Archbishop Elpidophoros; visit to Fordham University and the Orthodox Christian Studies Center. 

• September 24: Patriarchal Doxology at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, NYC, followed by a blessing for the faithful from Constantinople, Imvros, and Tenedos; presentation of the Templeton Prize at a private ceremony in the evening. 

• September 25: Farewell Luncheon, hosted by Archbishop Elpidophoros in honor of Rabbi Arthur Schneier, hosted by Calamos Investments at Rockefeller Center. 

The visit is expected to reaffirm the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s spiritual leadership, strengthen ties with the Greek-American community, and highlight pressing global concerns including religious freedom, environmental justice, and interfaith cooperation. 

Source: THE GREEK HERALD