Cihat Yaycı's claims regarding Ayvalık and the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople: It is an intelligence and espionage activity

Claiming that Ayvalık has recently become one of the regions where the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople is conducting intensive activities, Yaycı alleged that despite the very small Orthodox Christian population in the district, initiatives regarding certain religious structures are continuing.

Stating that there is heavy traffic between Lesbos and Ayvalık, Yaycı made assessments regarding a clergyman whom he stated had served as the Metropolitan of Ayvalık in the past.

Asserting that the appointment in question was unlawful, Yaycı claimed that it constitutes an "intelligence and espionage activity."

Yaycı continued as follows:

"Look, pay close attention to Ayvalık. A very serious and comprehensive game is being played in Ayvalık. I am warning our state and our relevant institutions once again. Extremely intensive activities are being carried out in Ayvalık. One of the most active areas for the Greek Orthodox Church today is Ayvalık. The Orthodox Christian population in Ayvalık is negligible. It consists of perhaps five or ten people. Despite this, there is a concerted effort to reopen the church there. There is constant travel between Lesbos and Ayvalık.

There was a metropolitan who gave a cross to President Trump in the US and said, 'Conquer Constantinople'; that person was serving as the Metropolitan of Ayvalık before going to the US.

In fact, he did not have the authority to make such an appointment, but he was appointed anyway. This situation is an activity contrary to the laws of our state. This is an intelligence and espionage activity.

We are talking about a structure that has practically been turned into an espionage base. They are also constantly threatening me, either directly or indirectly. They send messages through various channels and say on television screens that they will sue me. And I say; go ahead, sue me to the fullest extent.

For me, this is only a matter of honor. We have also filed a criminal complaint against the head of the Greek Orthodox Church on the grounds that he engages in activities contrary to the Constitution, participated in a meeting in Switzerland, and introduced himself with the titles of 'Ecumenical' and 'Archbishop of New Rome.'

Where is 'New Rome'? Is there a place called 'New Rome' within the borders of the Republic of Turkey? Of course there is not. All of these are parts of a specific project. Pay attention to the 'New Rome' project. In the near future, you may start hearing the rhetoric 'We are not Turkish, we are not Kurdish, we are not Armenian, we are not Assyrian; we are all Romans' much more frequently. In the face of these developments, Turkey must not only watch but also take the necessary diplomatic and legal steps with determination."

News Source: İHA