Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has successfully undergone a stent procedure at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City on Wednesday, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announced.
The statement reads: “His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew successfully underwent stent placement at Mount Sinai Hospital this afternoon. He is expected to be released tomorrow (Thursday)”.
After officiating at the elevation and dedication of the cross that was placed atop the dome of the new Saint Nicholas Shrine in Manhattan on Tuesday, the Ecumenical Patriarch consulted with physicians about his health and decided to be admitted to the hospital.
Bartholomew had been admitted to a Washington, D.C. hospital the day after he arrived in the United States last week after feeling “unwell,” according to the Archdiocese.
On Wednesday morning, the Archdiocese released an announcement saying: “Following the results of a check-up at Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, as well as consultations with doctors, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will be admitted to the hospital later this afternoon for an angiogram that will evaluate the need for stent placement.”
On Tuesday morning, Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the opening of the Shrine in the morning by conducting the traditional Thyranoixia service, and officially opened its doors after nearly twenty years of planning and construction.
Bartholomew, making the journey to the United States for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, celebrated the placing of the cross atop the Shrine in an outdoor ceremony under cloudy Autumn skies.
Selfless sacrifice of September 11 first responders lauded
“The cowardly attack that brought so much death to this place will not have the final word,” he declared at Tuesday’s cross dedication.
Speaking of the first responders who selflessly rushed to the scene of the attacks on September 11, in total disregard for their own safety, Bartholomew said “The brave souls who ascended the stairs of the World Trade Center made a ladder to heaven, even as their bodies were left in the ruins that day.”
Like Jesus Christ, he stated, these selfless people conquered death in their self-sacrifice.
Patriarch Bartholomew then entered the Shrine, which has some icons already installed, signing the guest book along with Archbishop Elpidophoros.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was hospitalized on October 24 in Washington DC, just after he landed in the United States for an official visit. His All-Holiness was scheduled to hold a service at the Cathedral of Saint Sophia, but felt ill and was advised by his doctor to cancel the event and rest.
The Greek Archdiocese of America released a statement at that time saying that the Ecumenical Patriarch’s travels had contributed to his sickness:
“Immediately prior to departing for service at the Cathedral of Saint Sophia, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew felt unwell due to the long flights and full schedule of events upon arrival. His doctor advised him to rest and out of an abundance of caution he will be taken to the George Washington University Hospital for observation.”
His All-Holiness was scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden, amongst other notable figures like Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Ambassador of Greece to the United States Alexandra Papadopoulou, and Turkish Ambassador to the United States Hasan Murat Mercan.
The Ecumenical Patriarch’s visit began on Saturday, October 23. He was scheduled to return home on Wednesday, November 3.
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