Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew delivered a historic speech before the Plenary of the Greek Parliament on Tuesday. This marks the first time since 1999 that the Patriarch has addressed the chamber in full session.
Speaking against the backdrop of the Middle East crisis and the ongoing war in Ukraine, the Patriarch emphasized that peace has always been an achievement born of inspired initiatives, bravery, and self-sacrifice. “Peace has never been a given in human history,” he told Greek legislators.
“Humanity stands in need of a steadfast consensus built upon a core of shared fundamental values—one that, despite political, social, religious, and cultural differences or tensions, will serve as the foundation for human coexistence and cooperation for the common good,” Bartholomew stressed, and added:
“It is a fact that the modern version of so-called realpolitik has completely prevailed over international law and the United Nations Charter itself—a document governed by the fundamental principle of the peaceful resolution of disputes.”
Bartholomew, who was honored by the Greek Parliament, stressed the need for an ecological approach to the economy.
“Concern for the natural environment was never merely a situational reaction to the smoldering ecological crisis; that was merely the occasion, not the cause, for timely developing its eco-friendly traditions,” he noted.
“From the outset, we approached the ecological crisis as a social problem, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic issues. We emphasized that the dominant model of economic development is among the primary causes of ecological decline,” he added, also pointing out that:
“We have no future without a total shift toward an ecological economy. Economic life and social struggles must serve humanity, its vital needs, and the integrity of creation—goals that can only be achieved in an environment of peace and respect for human rights.”
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