Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew delivered a powerful speech on September 23, 2024, at the opening of the Ecological Conference titled “The Vision of an Ecological Metropolis for the 21st Century: Church, State, Philosophy, and Theology,” which took place at the Conference Center of the Regional Unity of Kilkis.
Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the pioneering role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in addressing the spiritual aspects of the ecological crisis, making it the first Christian institution to do so. He highlighted the Church’s crucial involvement in tackling environmental issues and the Patriarchate’s significant contributions to promoting dialogue among Churches, religions, and global leaders for the preservation of the natural world. These efforts have inspired policymakers, parliaments, and international organizations.
A key focus of Patriarch Bartholomew’s speech was on educating the younger generation about ecological responsibility. He stressed the importance of instilling a deep ecological ethos in youth, starting within the Church itself. The Patriarch called on the ecclesiastical community to view nature protection not only as a social duty but as a profound spiritual obligation. He urged local churches to actively participate in environmental awareness initiatives, with parishes serving as centers for ecological education and action.
In his closing remarks, the Ecumenical Patriarch underlined the urgent need to address the global ecological crisis, describing it not as a mere “overheating” issue but as a planet in “boiling” condition. He called for immediate, coordinated action from all sectors of society to prevent further environmental degradation, emphasizing the necessity of collective global efforts to combat the crisis.
Translated by: Konstantinos Menyktas / Photos: Nikos Papachristou
