The Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, on Monday, January 15, 2024, declared the commencement of the International Scientific Conference “Apostle Paul in Antalya: Memory, Testimony,” under His auspices and organized by the Holy Metropolis of Pisidia in the city of Antalya.
In his address, the Ecumenical Patriarch referred to the universality of the Gospel of Christ and the significance of the preaching of the Apostle Paul, within which the Ecumenical Patriarchate has undertaken various initiatives in our era to promote ecumenical relations and dialogue.
“We have repeatedly emphasized that unity is not merely an internal matter of the Church precisely because it is inseparably connected to the unity of all humanity. The Church does not exist for itself but for all of humanity and, even more broadly, for the entire Creation,” highlighted the Patriarch, adding:
However, at this critical moment in history, universality is not a luxury or an advantage. It is imperative and necessary for us as Christians because the survival of the world depends on a broad interpretation and extensive application of the Gospel. The ecumenical mandate is essential for its existence and resilience. We are called to be universal. Otherwise, we cannot breathe, because otherwise, we cannot exist!”
At another point in his speech, the Ecumenical Patriarch emphasized that in our world, religion becomes the subject of exploitation, manipulation, and instrumentalization for various reasons, including nationalism, fanaticism, and fundamentalism.
“We see this before our eyes in Ukraine, where Orthodox Christianity is unethically and unjustly used against other Orthodox Christians with the blessing of the Moscow Patriarchate. We observe the same violation and outrage in the Middle East and North Africa, where hostilities and war are waged in the name of religion at the expense of the lives of citizens and human needs.
Hierarchs, clergy, university professors from various universities, and theologians from different countries participate at the Conference.
The Ecumenical Patriarch arrived in Antalya on Sunday afternoon, accompanied by his entourage, where he was welcomed at the airport by Metropolitan Job of Pisidia, surrounded by his clergy and laity. Afterwards, the Ecumenical Patriarch made a pilgrimage to the historic Church of St. Alypius of Kionia.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
