Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I has called for unity and a renewed commitment to peace during a historic appearance before the Hellenic Parliament, his first address to the chamber in 27 years.
Welcomed by Konstantinos Tasoulas and parliamentary Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis, the Patriarch spoke before a full assembly of political leaders, diplomats and religious representatives.
Kaklamanis paid tribute to the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s enduring influence, describing it as “a ship sailing through the centuries,” and said it has remained a central pillar of Orthodoxy since the time of Apostle Andrew.
He added, “We owe it honour and gratitude, for to it we owe our existence, cohesion, and continuity,” before presenting Bartholomew with the Gold Medal of Parliament.
In his address, Bartholomew warned that global affairs are increasingly shaped by geopolitical interests, stressing the Church’s message of peace “is neither utopian nor rhetorical.”
He said modern Realpolitik often overrides international law and the founding principles of the United Nations.
He urged a shared global commitment to core values, pointing to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a key framework for cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
Among those present were former president Katerina Sakellaropoulou, past prime ministers, ambassadors and faith leaders. Ieronymos II was represented by Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Chalkida.
The visit comes as Bartholomew marks 35 years as Ecumenical Patriarch and 65 years in the priesthood, with further events scheduled in Athens, including a May 7 forum at Pallas Theatre on the Patriarchate’s role in the modern world.
Source: Orthodox Times.
