Orthodox patriarch ‘recovering well’ in New York hospital – KIRO 7 News Seattle

NEW YORK – (AP) – The Eastern Orthodox Christian spiritual leader made a good recovery Thursday in a New York hospital after medical intervention delayed his return to Turkey at the end of a U.S. visit, according to a doctor who treated him.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was in a good mood and feeling “very chic” after a stent was installed on Wednesday to open a clogged coronary artery, said Dr. George Dangas, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center.

Bartholomew, 81, was due to return home on Wednesday at the end of a 12-day U.S. itinerary, his first visit to the country in several years.

He was previously hospitalized shortly after arriving in Washington on October 24 when he reported feeling “unwell,” church officials said. That episode prompted him to seek follow-up treatment in New York at the end of the trip, Dangas said.

“He’s recovering well and he’s essentially got a day off today,” said Dangas.

Dangas said the patriarch would likely stay on Mount Sinai again overnight but be able to return home soon. He will be prescribed medication and will be given recommendations on lifestyle changes, cholesterol intake, and other health monitors.

Bartholomew’s trip included a visit to President Joe Biden, meetings with Orthodox and other denominations, and a solemn blessing at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and the National Shrine near the World Trade Center, which replaces a 9/11 church.

As Patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew is considered the first among equals among the Eastern Orthodox patriarchs, which gives him the importance but not the power of a Catholic Pope. He oversees the Greek Orthodox and some other jurisdictions, although large parts of the Eastern Orthodox world are self-governing under their own patriarchs.

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