Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is celebrating his 85th birthday today, marking a significant milestone for this influential figure in world Christianity.
Originally born as Demetrios Arhondonis on the island of Imbros, Patriarch Bartholomew took on his role as the leader of the Ecumenical Throne in October 1991.
Throughout his time as Patriarch, he has risen to prominence as a global leader with a profound impact that extends beyond the Orthodox community.
Referred to as the “Green Patriarch” due to his dedication to environmental activism, he has emphasized the importance of protecting the natural world as a moral obligation rooted in religious beliefs.
From the onset of his patriarchal duties, Patriarch Bartholomew has prioritized fostering interfaith dialogue. He has engaged in historic meetings with various Popes, including John Paul II, Benedict XVI, and Francis, contributing to the enhancement of relations between the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches. In 2016, he convened the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church in Crete, a significant event that had not taken place for centuries.
His time as Patriarch has been marked by diplomatic challenges, such as:
– Continued pressure from the Turkish government on the Patriarchate, notably the closure of the Halki Theological School in 1971.
– Strained relations with the Moscow Patriarchate, particularly following the decision to grant autocephaly to the Church of Ukraine in 2019, leading to a rupture in Eucharistic communion with the Russian Orthodox Church.
– Balancing relationships with other autocephalous Orthodox Churches while upholding the primacy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
With a tenure surpassing 30 years on the patriarchal throne, Patriarch Bartholomew holds the distinction of being the longest-serving Ecumenical Patriarch since the 18th century. He has elevated the Ecumenical Patriarchate to a global institution, advocating for issues beyond religious matters and enhancing the prestige and influence of Orthodoxy on the global stage.
His enduring legacy positions him as one of the most influential Ecumenical Patriarchs in recent history, leaving a lasting impact that will shape the Orthodox Church and global Christianity for generations to come.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou