Ya know growing up Orthodox I often heard the previous Patriarch Demetrious I referred to as the Orthodox Pope.
Coming into my adulthood of course its technically wrong. But ya know what, to make things simple for someone who doesn't know the structure, the concept of separate but equal its not that big of a deal.
Give a little love, and patience this isn't an issue of official theology, it doesn't change any critical issue. Just a marketing issue so those whom don't know have an idea whom Bartholomew is to Orthodoxy.
For now he is given the title of first amongst equals, which is an honor long given to the Patriarch of Constantinople. Let him have this honor it hurts nothing. Instead let us be proud of how well he's representing Orthodoxy, how well regarded he is being held and look forward to some positive journalism.
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