Patriarch: We are all brothers

Fener Rum Patriarch has given out a feast at the house for the poor because of the Bairam. Having his meal at the same table with the Imam (Islamic religious person), the Patriarch said, " We share both the pain and the happiness."

       People at the poorhouse (Darulaceze) have waited for visitors all through the Bairam. Though the politicians have forgotten about them, Fener Rum Patriarch, Bartholomeos, remembered them. Bartholomeos gave a feast for the 674 elderly who are in need because of the Bairam. In the three days of Bairam, only three politicians visited the people in Darulaceze. Except for the Patriarch, Deputy Governor Bulent Karacol, Mayor Ali Mufit Gurtuna and DSP Deputy Perihan Yilmaz were the only ones to remember the old in the poor house, who always complain about not being remembered. The feast costed approximately 3 billion Turkish Liras and was given by the Patriarch at the Islamic celebration, Bairam.Bartholomeos stated that all those in need should be helped no matter what their religious beliefs or races may be. Bartholomeos had also given a Iftar meal during Ramadan for 3 thousand and 200 people at the quake region in Kocaeli. " It is our duty to help those in need no matter what their belifs or races may be. As the Rums kiving in Turkey, we believe in sharing both the pain and the happiness of this country. We are a part of this counrty. Therefore we are very glad to be here. I congradulate your Bairam and wish from God that you will all be healthy and happy. We have been living on this land for centuries now. The people we have given a feast for today are Muslims, but we do not make religous or racial distinctions. This state does not either." said the Patriarch, Bartholomeos.