Honorary Doctorate awarded to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during historic visit 

·

The University of Notre Dame Australia has awarded an Honorary Doctorate to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in recognition of his inspiring work to unify contemporary society. 

His All-Holiness is the spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians across the globe, and a voice of  hope and unity who travels around the world encouraging inter-faith dialogue. 

The Honorary Doctorate was conferred on His All-Holiness during a special ceremony at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney on Monday, October 7. 

Notre Dame’s Chancellor, The Hon. Christopher Ellison, said it was an honour to recognise the role played by His All-Holiness in promoting unity during his historic visit to Australia

“His All-Holiness’s religious leadership in fostering and deepening dialogue among believers serves as a  beacon of hope,” he said. 

“He plays a unique role in promoting unity among all Christians, and between humanity and nature. Through his actions, he demonstrates that living out one’s faith involves a deep commitment to ecology and to honouring creation in all its forms.” 

His All-Holiness praised Notre Dame for its commitment to bridge-building, integrating and embracing  differences and offering its students both global and local experiences to facilitate outreach to the most  marginalised members of society.  

Photo: Giovanni Portelli.

“We are always in closer proximity to each other in more ways than we are distant from or different to one another,” His All-Holiness said. 

“There is incomparably more than we share with each other and resemble one another than what may separate us if only we begin to see the other with new eyes.” 

His All-Holiness’ leadership is marked by his commitment to visiting Orthodox communities, while also building meaningful relationships with other Christian churches and communities, and leaders from other  faiths. 

He played an important role in building Catholic-Orthodox relations when he attended the inauguration of His Holiness Pope Francis in March 2013.  

The following year, Pope Francis and His All Holiness jointly declared their resolution to promote the “full unity of all Christians.” 

The visit by His All Holiness coincides with the 100th anniversary of the establishment of the Greek Orthodox  Archdiocese of Australia – a milestone for more than 400,000 Australians. 

He has visited Australia twice as Ecumenical Patriarch and spent time at Notre Dame’s Fremantle Campus during his first visit in 1996. 

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Archbishop Makarios of Australia joins Patriarchal Liturgy marking First Ecumenical Council

Archbishop Makarios of Australia participated in a landmark Patriarchal and Synodal Divine Liturgy on Sunday, June 1.

Sydney Olympic rescue a draw against spirited Western Sydney Wanderers

A determined Western Sydney Wanderers side produced a strong performance against Sydney Olympic that nearly secured a major scalp.

Eighth gold medal for Lefteris Petrounias at European Gymnastics Championships

Greece’s gymnastics legend Lefteris Petrounias claimed his eighth European gold medal at the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships.

Mount Sinai Monastery shuts gates amid legal dispute over ownership

The monks of the Saint Catherine's Monastery at Mount Sinai have closed its gates to all visitors in protest of an Egyptian court ruling.

Alumni excellence celebrated in style at Oakleigh Grammar

Oakleigh Grammar has inducted two more former students into the prestigious Alumni Hall of Fame.

You May Also Like

Scott Morrison joins Greek Orthodox community in celebrating Easter

"As I see the lights all making one, I see a wonderful community." Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his wife, Jenny Morrison, joined Archbishop Makarios in celebrating the Anastasi service.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison sends message ahead of Orthodox Easter

Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has sent a message to Australia’s Greek Community ahead of Orthodox Easter on Sunday.

Greek Australian rapper, Masked Wolf, is pop’s ‘Next Big Thing’

Global rap sensation Masked Wolf's followers and trending moments converted to millions of streams in the last 18 months.