A few days ago, on October 22, the Orthodox world celebrated the 30th anniversary of the election of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the Patriarchal Throne of Constantinople.
Today is an equally important day, as it marks the 30th anniversary of the enthronement of the Ecumenical Patriarch, which took place in the crowded Patriarchal Church, in the Phanar, in a festive atmosphere.
“…We turn with all love and affection to our flock here, at which moment we make a covenant in the Lord. We unhesitatingly declare that we, the shepherd, are ready to sacrifice our soul for the sheep.”
This excerpt from the Speech delivered by the Ecumenical Patriarch on his enthronement day, November 2, 1991, is one of his key proclamations that came true during his 30 years of Patriarchy. Many more of the statements of that day, took “flesh and bones” in the course of the three decades that have passed until today, justifying the expectations of the congregation of the Orthodox Church.
With his groundbreaking initiatives and his diverse work, the Primate of Orthodoxy managed to become a figure of international prestige and elevate the role of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Above all, however, with determination and with a sacrificial mind, he walked and continues to walk the path he described on the day he took over the “rudder” of the Mother Church, 30 years ago: “….We receive from the hands of the Blessed and great Patriarch Demetrius I the cross of Andrew the First-Called, in continuation of the ascent to the Skull Place, in the crucifixion of our Lord and the Crucified Church, in the preservation of the light of the Resurrection”.
