During the First Global Summit of the Archons of the Holy Great Church of Christ in Athens, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew delivered a speech filled with paschal exaltation and spiritual joy. He praised the Risen Lord for His salvific gifts and extended a warm greeting of honor and love to the esteemed Archons present.
The Patriarch commended the Archons for their invaluable services to the Great Church over the centuries and their ongoing support today. He highlighted their contributions to ecclesiastical life, worship, administration, social work, and Christian witness in the world. Patriarch Bartholomew expressed pride and gratitude for their efforts in preserving and promoting the high values of Orthodox tradition, essential to their identity and future.
He emphasized the importance of defending and promoting these venerable traditions globally to address contemporary challenges in accordance with Christ’s teachings. The Patriarch underscored the enduring significance of these traditions through generations, amid both challenges and blessings.
Patriarch Bartholomew also emphasized that seeking spiritual goals does not mean neglecting life and culture but rather strengthens their witness in the world. He detailed the Patriarchate’s various initiatives in peace-building, social, cultural, ecumenical, inter-religious, and ecological efforts, promoting the sanctity of the human person, solidarity, mutual respect, and cooperation.
The Patriarch stressed the need for a transcendental orientation and spiritual values to enrich human existence and nourish moral sense, asserting that human dignity and respect cannot solely be based on a naturalistic view of man. He highlighted the Archons’ role as valuable co-strugglers in the Church’s diaconal work, praising their contributions and godly zeal. The Patriarch expressed gratitude for their fidelity to tradition and modern spirit, acknowledging their important role in the Church’s initiatives.
The Patriarch considered the First Global Summit of the Archons of the Throne a great blessing, representing a culmination of efforts to foster closer cooperation among Archon Associations. He acknowledged the divine grace at work in their sacrificial giving, recognizing it as a gift beyond human measure.
We are delighted that the main focus of this event is to offer support to the newly established Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation. This institution aims to address the financial challenges of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and cover the costs of its diverse activities. We hope that the collective effort of this event will leave a lasting legacy for the Archons of the Throne in the history of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
The success of this project relies on a united effort and contribution from Archons worldwide. The establishment of this foundation marks a significant milestone in the history of the Archons’ support towards the Great Church.
We extend our gratitude to the organizers of the First Global Summit of the Archons of the Throne and express our thanks to His Excellency Mr. Evangelos Venizelos for his presence and wisdom. To all the esteemed Archons and their families, we wish you health and blessings.
We look forward to welcoming you in the City of Constantine, where the sacred treasures of the Nation are preserved. As you visit this spiritual homeland, may you feel a sense of returning to your roots and experiencing the rich history of the Archons’ contributions to the Church. The honor of being part of the Archons of the Great Church will be truly felt in the City.
With love and appreciation, we send our blessings from the City and pray for the grace and mercy of the Risen Christ upon you and your loved ones.
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