Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has tested positive for COVID-19, the Kathimerini newspaper reported end of December, citing a press release from the Istanbul-based patriarchate. Bartholomew, 81, has only mild symptoms of the disease, the press release said.
The spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians around the world tested positive today and immediately went for tests to a central Istanbul hospital, where his general condition was found to be quite good.
Bartholomew is fully vaccinated against the new coronavirus, adds the press release of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Recently, the Ecumenical Patriarch underwent stent surgery in New York.
The Ecumenical Patriarch thanked everyone for taking care of his health and encouraged everyone, as a father, to follow the recommendations of doctors and scientists. He also called on those who have not yet been vaccinated to do so for their own good and for the good of society, the Kathimerini statement said.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was discharged from the American Hospital in Istanbul, Greek media reported.
Bartholomew was admitted for observation after he became infected with the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, ANA-MPA reports.
The 81-year-old Ecumenical Patriarch has been fully vaccinated. The patriarch was vaccinated against coronavirus (received two doses of CoronaVac vaccine and then two more doses of Comirnaty from Pfizer-BioNTech).
He remained in isolation at his residence before returning to the Patriarchate in Istanbul’s Fanari district, where he will lead a service for Epiphany, the statement said. He returned to Fanar (his residence) on January 6.
Immediately, Turkish Health Minister Fahrettin Koca spoke with Bartholomew, who briefed him on his health and offered to help the ministry he heads.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was discharged from hospital after 6 days of hospitalization with COVID-19.
As reported BBC News Ukraine with reference to the patriarchate, Patriarch Bartholomew was suffering from COVID-19 caused by the strain Omicron.
The patriarch had mild symptoms of the disease, he continued to work all day in the hospital.
