2024-04-20 10:30:18
The Ecumenical Patriarch at the 9th International Conference “Our Ocean”
The importance of always keeping in mind the devastating consequences of war on our planet and praying for peace in the Middle East and the entire world, the Ecumenical Patriarch, Mr. Bartholomeus, in his official speech at the 9th “Our Ocean” International Conference, which took place on the evening of Tuesday, April 16, at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, in the presence of Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Archbishop Hieronymos.
Addressing the Conference audience, in English, Patriarch Bartholomew pointed out that this meeting is taking place at a time when the world is in uncertainty as the conflict escalates in the Middle East, where so many lives have already been lost and so many innocents still face the hunger. He asked that everyone observe a minute of silence, “as we turn our minds and hearts to the victims of the war in Israel and Palestine, as well as on our own continent.”
Referring to the issue of the climate crisis and its effects on marine life, His Holiness pointed out that for more than 35 years the Ecumenical Patriarchate has been underlining the common obligation to protect Creation. In this direction, he recalled, environmental symposia were organized by the Patriarchate at sea in various water ecosystems of the planet, such as in the Adriatic, the Black Sea, the Amazon and Mississippi rivers, with the aim of highlighting their importance for life on the planet, but also of the dangers that threaten them.
Referring to the importance of the sacrament of baptism, but also to the Feast of the Epiphany, during which the sanctification of the waters with the cross is celebrated, the Ecumenical Patriarch pointed out:
“Water has a spiritual and symbolic meaning, reminding us that the planet’s water is not a private resource for the few, but a sacred gift for all. Indeed, every person here – every person on this planet – is a microcosm of an ocean, a microcosm of life-sustaining waters. In short, the oceans themselves unite every continent, every coastline, and every citizen of our planet.”
Conversation with John Kerry and Kyriakos Mitsotakis
In his speech, His Holiness, among other things, emphasized that the current generation must hand over to the next a world “at least as good, if not better, than the one we received”. However, as he said, the tragic reality is “that ours will be the first generation to inherit a planet destroyed by ignorance and indifference, but also by abuse and greed. If we are not prepared to accept our responsibility before the Creator and His creation, we may be moved by the guilt of depriving our children of fair access to natural resources.”
“Religions, a powerful ally in dealing with issues of social justice”
Concluding his speech, he pointed out that the Ecumenical Patriarchate always underlines the importance of the cooperation of peoples, cultures and religions for the protection of Creation. “We know today that everything we do in one corner of the planet has direct and permanent consequences for the rest of the planet. We are aware today that religions can be a powerful ally in addressing issues of social justice,” he said, stressing that it is everyone’s obligation and responsibility to take action now. “All of us—and all of us!—must face what is undoubtedly the most urgent challenge of our time, a challenge with significant implications for peace and justice in our societies, for the populations and politics in our communities, and for the economy and the security of our people”, emphasized His Holiness.
As part of the conference, the Patriarch had a short conversation with John Kerry, former US Secretary of State (2013-2017) and US Special Envoy for Climate (2020-2024), who in his speech spoke highly of the ministry of Patriarch Bartholomew for the protection of the natural environment.
In the evening of the same day, the Ecumenical Patriarch personally had a meeting with Kyriakos Mitsotakis with whom they had the opportunity to discuss current ecclesiastical and general issues. He then attended the reception hosted by the Prime Minister, at the premises of the Hellenic Naval Club, in honor of the Leaders participating in the international meeting.