Turkish Representative Calls for Banning Archbishop Elpidophoros from Turkey

A representative of Turkey’s ‘Blue Homeland’ doctrine, Errol Kara, has called for the cancellation of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America’s Turkish visa and a ban on his entry into Turkey. Kara, who is also a journalist and author, criticized Elpidophoros’s remarks during the celebration of Greek Independence Day at the White House under former President Donald Trump. The event took place last Tuesday (March 25, 2025). Kara expressed strong dissatisfaction with Elpidophoros’s repeated use of the term ‘Ecumenical’ for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, arguing that he should be referred to as the Patriarch of the Romans. He further objected to Elpidophoros calling the city ‘Constantinople’ instead of ‘Istanbul’ in front of President Trump. Additionally, Kara accused Elpidophoros of harboring hatred against Turkey and dreaming of a new Byzantine empire, often referencing national issues such as the Cyprus problem. He urged followers of Kemal Ataturk, conservatives, and Turkish nationalists to file complaints against Elpidophoros, who is reportedly under close surveillance. Furthermore, Kara mentioned that retired Admiral Cihat Yaitzi, the inspiration behind the ‘Blue Homeland’ doctrine, views Elpidophoros as a serious threat to the Turkish state and will coordinate legal action against him.