In his recent speech at the official dinner hosted in his honor by the Archdiocese of Australia, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew focused on significant issues such as love, solidarity, and the need for dialogue among religious communities, both in Australia and internationally.
He highlighted the role of the Greek diaspora in Australian society, characterizing Hellenism as a broader ideal that transcends national and geographical origins.
At the same time, he emphasized the importance of the moral principles of religion, such as love and justice, for building a harmonious social environment, while underscoring the necessity of dialogue and education for fostering understanding among religions.
With particular emphasis on the work of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Patriarch noted the significance of religious freedom and human rights, extending blessings and well-wishes to those present.
Read below the speech of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew:
With great joy and enthusiasm, we find ourselves once again this evening among esteemed friends and brothers around this joyous table, sharing love and honor and enjoying your hospitality, brothers and children. We echo the words of the Prophet King David: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity” (Psalm 133:1). Indeed, we felt from the very moment of our arrival, along with our honorable entourage, here in this land, that we are among brothers and have never felt we are in a “foreign and distant place,” as the popular muse suggests.
From the brief experience we have gained during our short stay in blessed Australia, we have confidently and assuredly observed that Australian society is welcoming and open to diversity and different cultural traditions; a society of humanity, freedom, equal opportunities, culture, education, spiritual values, and fundamental institutions, such as family and faith; a society in which citizens live and build their lives on solid and secure foundations, filled with hope and optimism for the future.
The Greek diaspora, the Rum, to speak more accurately, is an inseparable part of this flourishing, both economically and spiritually, Australian society because Romiosini is a way of life, an ideal, and a dream rather than merely a geographical location or racial origin. The Australian diaspora, both numerically significant and qualitatively vibrant, has not only benefited from the Australian Government’s support but has also contributed richly from the inexhaustible wealth of Greek culture and the unique tradition of Romiosini, thereby significantly aiding in the shaping and evolution of the country. Today, the Australian diaspora constitutes a dynamic and substantial segment of society.
It is indeed true that Australia is officially a secular state, recognizing and protecting the freedom of religious conscience and the unobstructed exercise of worship, without adopting any particular religious tradition and certainly without viewing religion as a hostile factor or an outdated institution. This mosaic of religious traditions is a treasure for Australia because the role of religion in modern societies, contrary to popular belief, is invaluable and unique.
No one can deny that religions, particularly the Christian faith, are imbued with a set of moral principles and values, such as solidarity, love for one’s neighbor, forgiveness, and justice, among many other positive attributes, which weave together a social and moral framework within which harmonious coexistence of diversities, a communal spirit, a sense of belonging, and a shared identity are promoted.
Moreover, the entirety of religious traditions promotes organized charity and mutual aid, not only within the same religious community but indiscriminately to every person in need. Various volunteer initiatives, social work groups, and organized efforts to provide social assistance not only mitigate social and economic disparities but also strengthen bonds among members of the same or different religious groups and foster mutual understanding. Lastly, it is well-known that the teachings of many religious traditions, despite countless contrary examples, reject violence and intolerance while promoting tolerance and mutual understanding.
We, the religious leaders, have a sacred and inviolable duty to promote and enhance what has already been briefly stated, primarily through dialogue and education. Dialogue with others dispels fears and prejudices and alleviates negative social tensions. Likewise, educating the members of a religious community from a young age in the concepts of respect and tolerance is the safest path and method for mitigating prejudices and fanaticism.
To avoid any misunderstanding or misinterpretation of what has been said, we emphatically state that mutual understanding and respect among members of different religious communities do not, by any means, signify religious syncretism, alteration, or dilution of traditional teachings, as often claimed by advocates of exclusivity and isolationism. Respecting another’s tradition does not, in any case, equate to betrayal of our faith and truth.
This truth has been and continues to be defended with sacrificial love and selflessness by our martyred Ecumenical Patriarchate throughout the ages. The Ecumenical Patriarchate, which fully respects the ancient Tradition and Faith, is ready to engage in dialogue with any well-meaning interlocutor, not, of course, to exchange the principles and values of its Orthodox faith, but to convey the experiential truth of the Orthodox witness and to collaborate with all for the dissemination of fundamental human rights, religious freedom, justice, and peace.
Once again, we thank you for your hospitality and bless each and every one of you and your families, wishing you abundant grace from the All-Holy God, joy and blessings in the Lord, and strength!
Thank you.
Photo: Nikos Papachristou
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
