Orthodox patriarch ‘recovering well’ in New York hospital

NEW YORK — The spiritual leader of Eastern Orthodox Christians was recovering well in a New York hospital Thursday after a medical procedure delayed his return home to Turkey at the end of a U.S. visit, according to a doctor who treated him. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was in good spirits and feeling “very spiffy” after having a stent installed Wednesday to open up a clogged coronary artery, said Dr. George Dangas, a cardiologist at Mount Sinai Medical Center. Bartholomew’s trip included a visit with President Joe Biden, meetings with Orthodox and other faith groups and a ceremonial blessing at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine near the World Trade Center, which is replacing a church that was destroyed on 9/11. As patriarch of Constantinople, Bartholomew is considered first among equals among Eastern Orthodox patriarchs, which gives him prominence but not the power of a Catholic pope.