On the concluding evening of a meaningful pilgrimage to the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew offered heartfelt remarks during a dinner held in his honor.
Surrounded by hierarchs, clergy, and faithful from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and guests from the Roman Catholic Church, the Patriarch reflected on the significance of the pilgrimage, the enduring spirit of ecclesial unity, and the ever-present call to be bearers of hope.
“Again, with my poor English, a few words,” the Ecumenical Patriarch began humbly. “Thank you very much for inviting me to this lovely dinner offered in my honor… your visit in the midst of summer brought a breeze for all of us, metaphorically and essentially.”
The Patriarch warmly acknowledged the presence of Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and other esteemed hierarchs, expressing gratitude for their visit and drawing a connection between this pilgrimage and the long tradition of pastoral visits under the late Archbishop Iakovos. He recalled his own experience as a student in Halki, witnessing Archbishop Iakovos’s delegation receiving the offikion in the Chapel of the Holy Trinity in the presence of the late Patriarch Athenagoras.
Reflecting on the name and mission of Archbishop Elpidophoros, the Patriarch recalled that he personally chose the name at the Archbishop’s ordination to the diaconate — not only because of the feast of Martyr Elpidophoros, which coincides with the Patriarch’s enthronement anniversary, but because he recognized the Archbishop’s “qualities, his talents, which he put to the service of the church.”
“He is really the bearer of hope,” the Patriarch affirmed. “We elected him unanimously… and of course, we are not – we are never – disappointed. On the contrary, you are lucky to have such an archpastor.”
Touching on broader themes, the Ecumenical Patriarch referenced reading the late Pope Francis’s autobiography Hope, a title that resonated deeply. “The late Pope used to say that we are all, especially this year, when we celebrate Nicaea, pilgrims of hope.”
He offered his prayers and blessings to the pilgrims, encouraging them to return to America as messengers of that same hope.
The Patriarch also looked ahead with anticipation to his upcoming visit to the United States in September, where he hopes to reunite with members of the Omogenia and experience firsthand the spiritual vitality and contributions of the faithful abroad.
In a deeply ecumenical tone, the Patriarch welcomed the presence of Roman Catholic guests, including Cardinal Joseph Tobin, recalling his formative years studying at the Pontifical University in Rome and his long-standing relationships with Popes John Paul II, Benedict XVI, Francis, and now Pope Leo XIV.
“I hope they don’t consider me as a foreigner,” he said with warmth, “but as a member of the wider Christian family.”
He highlighted the significance of upcoming commemorations, including the 1,700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea and the December celebration of the lifting of the mutual excommunications between Rome and Constantinople, an event he witnessed as a young student.
Recalling his 2014 pilgrimage to Jerusalem with Pope Francis, Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the enduring importance of Christian unity and cooperation. “We have much to perform, to do together, East and West, Rome and Constantinople.”
Concluding his remarks with a touch of humor and nostalgia, the Patriarch recounted an anecdote from the late Michael Jaharis, who once remarked at a similarly lengthy evening gathering, “I prefer dinners which are concluded the same day they begin.”
