LAST UPDATE: 15:03
A powerful message of peace and unity was delivered by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I from the podium of the Hellenic Parliament, marking his first address to the plenary body in 27 years.
The Patriarch was officially welcomed by the President of the Hellenic Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas, and the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament, Nikitas Kaklamanis. Together, they escorted him into the plenary hall, where he addressed political leaders and institutional representatives of the country.
In his address, Mr. Kaklamanis praised the enduring contribution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, describing it as “a ship sailing through the centuries,” leaving behind a luminous legacy while charting new paths forward. He emphasized that from the time of Apostle Andrew, the founder of the Church of Constantinople, to the present day, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has remained the emblematic center of Orthodoxy. He further noted that Patriarch Bartholomew, as the 270th occupant of the Ecumenical Throne, continues to illuminate both global Hellenism and universal culture through his tireless work and vision.
Concluding his remarks, the Speaker underlined the institutional importance of the Phanar as a guarantor of Orthodox unity, stating that “we owe it honor and gratitude, for to it we owe our existence, cohesion, and continuity.”
In a moment of high symbolism, Mr. Kaklamanis then conferred upon the Ecumenical Patriarch the Gold Medal of the Hellenic Parliament, recognizing his contribution to faith, dialogue, and humanity.
Taking the floor, Patriarch Bartholomew addressed pressing global challenges, stressing that the Church’s message of peace “is neither utopian nor rhetorical,” even in a world dominated by geopolitical and economic calculations. He observed that modern expressions of Realpolitik often prevail over international law and even the foundational principles of the United Nations, which is built upon the peaceful resolution of disputes.
The Patriarch emphasized that humanity urgently needs a shared commitment to fundamental values that transcend political, social, and cultural divisions. He pointed to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a cornerstone for such global consensus, describing it as a historic response to humanity’s greatest tragedies and a basis for peaceful coexistence and cooperation.
The plenary hall was filled with high-ranking officials, including members of the government, leaders of parliamentary parties, former President Katerina Sakellaropoulou, former prime ministers and speakers of Parliament, ambassadors, and representatives of various Christian denominations and other religions.
Representing the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece, Ieronymos II, was the Vice President of the Holy Synod, Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida, who attended the ceremony.
This year marks a significant milestone for the Patriarch, as he celebrates 35 years of service as Ecumenical Patriarch and 65 years of priestly ministry—an enduring legacy of spiritual leadership and global engagement.
Further events in his honor are scheduled in the coming days. On Thursday, May 7, at 17:30, Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis will deliver opening remarks at a special event titled “Timelessness and Universality: The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in the Modern World.” The event will take place at Pallas Theatre and is co-organized by the volunteer group “Romeon Praxeis.”
The Patriarch’s presence in Athens highlights both his enduring relationship with Greece and the broader role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in addressing contemporary global issues through dialogue, faith, and cooperation.
Photos: GIORGOS KONTARINIS/EUROKINISSI
