Trump Cabinet Member Visits Ecumenical Patriarchate

On 8 September 2019,US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate at the Patriarchal compound, the Phanar,in Constantinople.He was welcomed in accordance with the Phanar's protocol.Mr.Ross was joined by his wife,society writer and editor Hilary Geary; new US Ambassador to Turkey David Satterfield; and many politicians and US Government officials.

Typically a US President sends the Vice President to the Patriarchate.Instead, President Trump sent his longtime friend Wilbur Ross to further relations with the Great Church of Christ at Constantinople.*

The extensive discussions with His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew included:
The life and initiatives of the Great Church of Christ;
The diaspora;
The Orthodox faithful in Turkey;
The use of the former Orphanage on the Princes' Islands;
Orthodoxy​ in the USA and the enthronement of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America;
The Patriarchate's dialogue with other Christians and other religions;
The Patriarchate's environmental ministry.*
Following the talks with Patriarch Bartholomew,Mr.Ross and his wife took a tour of the Patriarchal Church of St.George led by Deacon Niphon.*
Mr.Ross had previously welcomed Archbishop Elpidophoros to America and held talks with him.*