Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew inaugurated the International Ecological Conference “Halki Summit VI” on the morning of Friday, August 30, 2024. The event, themed “Water: Spirit and Science,” was held in the newly renovated Hall of the Patriarchal Urban School of Maraslis, adjacent to the Patriarchal complex.
In his speech, delivered in English, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew recalled that his late predecessor, Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios, designated September 1, the beginning of the ecclesiastical year, as the official day of prayer for the protection of God’s Creation.
Since then, this initiative has been adopted by the Autocephalous Orthodox Churches, other Christian denominations, the World Council of Churches, the Conference of European Churches, and more recently, the Anglican Communion and the Roman Catholic Church.
He then highlighted the ecological initiatives undertaken by the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which include nine interdisciplinary symposia, focusing on various endangered aquatic ecosystems around the world. Referring to the current “Halki Summit VI” Conference, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized that it encapsulates and builds upon this accumulated invaluable experience. Participants will have the opportunity to address a broad spectrum of theological and scientific issues related to water and its significance for humanity.
“Water has always been more than a mere physical necessity. It has been deeply embedded in the spiritual and religious consciousness of humanity. Across various cultures and religions, water has been perceived as a symbol of life,” emphasized the Ecumenical Patriarch. He highlighted Christianity’s profound respect for water and addressed the contemporary challenges the world faces in its protection and sustainable management.
“Water has literally become a critical resource in our age. We recognize that water is essential for life, underpinning health, food security, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability. However, despite this fundamental and vital importance, we are now facing an escalating global water crisis that demands immediate attention and collective approach. Globally, well over two billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and more than four billion regularly experience severe water scarcity.
The data is staggering and highlights the compelling need to address equitable water accessibility, water quality, and water sustainability. Moreover, the scarcity of clean water disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, further exacerbating inequality and hindering balanced development.
By the same token, climate change is intensifying the water crisis by altering precipitation patterns, increasing the frequency and severity of droughts and floods, while at the same time accelerating the melting of glaciers. These changes disrupt the availability and distribution of freshwater resources, threatening ecosystems and human communities alike.”
As the global population continues to grow, the demand for food—and consequently for water—will increase significantly. Effective and innovative water management practices, along with sustainable cultivation techniques, are crucial to ensuring food security while preserving freshwater resources.
He noted that “it is only with collective action and innovative solutions that we will address the challenges of respecting water as an essential component of life on earth and salvation in heaven. Together, we can protect and preserve this precious resource for current and future generations.”
Previously, Archdeacon Ioannis Chrysavgis of the Ecumenical Throne, who is responsible for organizing the Conference, welcomed the Ecumenical Patriarch and the participants. Brief greetings were also given by Professors Ioannis Kalavrouziotis, President of the Hellenic Open University, which is collaborating on the “Halki Summit VI,” and Volkan Oral from Istanbul Aydin University.
The opening session was attended by hierarchs, clergy, theologians, professors, specialized scientists, and executives from various institutions and organizations. The conference proceedings will continue on the second day at the Holy Theological School of Halki.