The second day of the Conference, organized by the Church of Greece and the World Council of Churches in Athens, continued with a discussion on the urgent need for unity in a world largely marked by division.
Dr. Karen Georgia Thompson from the United Church of Christ in the United States emphasized that, although the 1925 Stockholm Conference brought together many delegates from diverse backgrounds, there were still missing pieces. She added that one of the hallmarks of the Stockholm Conference was its commitment to collaboration and strategic cooperation—to bring people together.
Fr. Nicolas Kazarian: An Orthodox Reflection on the 100th Anniversary of the Stockholm Conference
Speaking from the perspective of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (Ecumenical Patriarchate), Fr. Nicolas Kazarian referred to the 1925 Stockholm Conference as a historic gathering that boldly affirmed that Christians—despite doctrinal differences—could and must act together in service to a suffering world. It was not only a call to dialogue, but to common witness—a pioneering step in social ethics grounded in the mystery of baptism and our shared confession of Christ’s sacrificial love, as proclaimed at the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea.”
Fr. Nicolas added that “From an Orthodox standpoint, fragmentation arises not only from theological disagreements but also from the temptation to align ecclesiastical identity with political or ideological agendas. In a polarized world, churches can become entangled in nationalism, masking fear or resentment as zeal for tradition. This is often described as balkanization—a splintering of church life into isolated identities, cut off from the catholic Body of Christ.
But this challenge is not exclusive to Orthodoxy. Across denominations, debates over moral teachings, authority, and identity have led to echo chambers of division. The pastoral consequences are grave: disenchantment, mistrust, alienation, and a quiet exodus from Church life, which we also call secularization.
Moreover, the weaponization of Christian faith in global conflicts calls the Church to reclaim her prophetic role. But such a voice must rise above ideology, remaining rooted in the Gospel, discipleship and not partisanship.”
Fr. Nicolas sees signs of hope, despite the challenges. “Ecumenical dialogue offers tools for reconciliation that can be applied within our own communities. Too often dismissed as religious diplomacy, the ecumenical movement may in fact be a vital means by which God heals from within.”
What can Orthodoxy offer in this ecumenical journey? First, a rich theology of koinonia—communion—as the basis of Christian life. Second, a spiritual tradition that prioritizes the healing of the heart (katharsis) as a precondition for reconciliation. Third, the enduring leadership of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which has consistently championed dialogue, peace, and human dignity.
As Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew affirmed in Geneva (2018): “We are called to transcend the divisions of the past and work together for unity in truth and love. The unity we seek is not uniformity, but communion in the love of Christ.”
In conclusion, Fr. Nicolas Kazarian stressed that “Orthodox participation in 1925 was significant not only in ecumenical terms, but also in deepening engagement with questions of social ethics, culture, and the Church’s mission in the world.
Polarization cannot be healed by strategy alone. It requires repentance, humility, and transformation—not only individually, but communally. Healing comes not through allegiance to our factions, but through fidelity to Christ.
May this centenary renew our resolve to walk together, serve together, and by God’s grace, to be made one.”
Maha Milki Wehbe: Beyond Fundamentalism, There is Also a Tendency to Demonize Ecumenism
The second day of the conference concluded with a speech by Maha Milki Wehbe of the Patriarchate of Antioch.
Maha Milki Wehbe emphasized that the issues discussed at the 1925 Stockholm Conference are just as relevant today. “The world faces immense challenges. Christians are under threat. Today, the world is fragmented and continues to fragment, while the ecumenical spirit is losing part of its strength.”
As the representative of the Patriarchate of Antioch noted, “In addition to the rise of fundamentalism, there is also a tendency to demonize ecumenism. This challenge must be addressed at the level of the World Council of Churches.” She added that the goal is to “think outside the box.”
She highlighted the region’s vulnerability where the Patriarchate of Antioch is based, mentioning Gaza, Palestine, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, and shared her experience participating in World Council of Churches Conferences.
“Fostering a spirit of unity is important, and I hope we can continue to do so. I’ve attended every WCC assembly since 1998, and many times I was the only Orthodox woman among many other women. And look at how many Orthodox women are here with us today, invited by the Church of Greece. What a difference from the 1990s.”
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
