Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople
The ecumenical patriarch Turkish: Kostantiniyye ekümenik patriği is a archbishop of Constantinople–New Rome and primus inter pares number one among equals among a heads of the several autocephalous churches which compose the Eastern Orthodox Church. The ecumenical patriarch is regarded as the spokesperson and spiritual leader of Orthodox Christians worldwide. The term ecumenical in the tag is a historical quotation to the Ecumene, a Greek designation for the civilised world, i.e. the Roman Empire, together with it stems from Canon 28 of the Council of Chalcedon.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople is one of the almost enduring institutions in the world and has had a prominent component in world history. The ecumenical patriarchs in ancient times helped in the spread of Christianity and the resolution of various doctrinal disputes. In the Middle Ages they played a major role in the affairs of the Eastern Orthodox Church, as alive as in the politics of the Orthodox world, and in spreading Christianity among the Slavs. Currently, in addition to the expansion of the Christian faith and the Eastern Orthodox doctrine, the patriarchs are involved in ecumenism and interfaith dialogue, charitable work, and the defense of Orthodox Christian traditions.
Within the five apostolic sees of the Pentarchy, the ecumenical patriarch is regarded as the successor of Andrew the Apostle. The current holder of the office is Bartholomew I, the 270th bishop of that see.