With the victory of the National Struggle it was proved that Anatolia was a
Turkish land. The new Turkish State and the Republic were founded. IV. Meletius was
Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarchate’s religious leader during the last years of the
National Struggle. Meletius was elected as Patriarch in a manner contrary to the
Ottoman laws, through Entente States. Meletius acted on behalf of Greece after being
Patriarch. He gave limitless support to the Greece's Anatolian case religious, political,
social, and economic aspects in process of the Great Offensive. He spent a huge effort
in favour of Greece against Turkey not only in the country and also in the international
arena. The Turks met his activities with disgust.
The victory of the National Struggle was a great defeat not only for Fener Greek
Orthodox Patriarchate and also Patriarch Meletius in Istanbul. The Parties accepted to
remain Patriarchate in Istanbul at the Lausanne Conference. But it would be only a
religious institution. Meletius would not stay as Patriarch in the new Turkey. Meletius
was removed from Istanbul according to Lausanne Conference’s agreement and he was
forced to resign. Thus, Meletius’ activities in the process of the National Struggle were
cost expensive to for him.
In this study, Fener Greek Orthodox Patriarch Meletius’ removal process from
Istanbul will be enlightened according to the archival documents, newspapers and
official records.