Invited to address the plenary session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe was, on Monday 27 January, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.

After noting that his presence before the House was particularly honoured as it coincided with the day of commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Austria, Bartholomew stressed the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s commitment to promoting dialogue across cultural and religious differences, supporting peace and unity in an increasingly polarised world.

“As a Church whose history spans seventeen centuries, we are rooted in a rich past, living in the complex present, but looking forward to a future full of hope. It is precisely this living tradition of faith that allows us to speak boldly on critical contemporary issues such as religious freedom, human rights and the protection of the natural environment. This is why we have spearheaded a series of inter-Christian dialogues and inter-religious discussions to build bridges across diverse cultural and racial divides. In a world that is proving increasingly divided and divisive, we feel an obligation and a calling to build bridges of peace and unity, as well as cooperation and understanding,” he said at the beginning of his speech.

The Ecumenical Patriarch addressed two critical areas in his speech: dialogue and environmental protection.

He urged leaders to embrace dialogue as a means of promoting understanding between different cultures, stressing that today’s technological developments offer unprecedented opportunities. “The Ecumenical Patriarchate is living proof that different cultures and different religions can coexist in solidarity and peace. This is our vision and our message. By addressing our fellow human beings, beyond real or imaginary borders, we are convinced that we are addressing both God (in whose image all human beings are created) and our neighbour (whom we must always serve and support),” Bartholomew stressed.

In addition, he reiterated the moral duty to protect the environment, linking ecological responsibility to broader issues of human rights. After recalling that for more than three decades, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has convened numerous international symposia, seminars, and summits on the state of the earth and its waters, he said he was convinced that “what we do for the earth is closely linked to what we do for people, whether in the context of human rights, international politics or world peace. In other words, how we respond to climate change is closely linked to how we respond to human challenges. That is why our entire planet is affected by conflicts in Ukraine or the Middle East.”

In light of the ongoing humanitarian crises, particularly in the Middle East, Bartholomew expressed solidarity with persecuted communities and reaffirmed support for the pan-Orthodox churches in the region. He called on leaders to act decisively to promote peace and cooperation among nations, echoing St. Paul’s message of common suffering and joy in humanity: “In the Holy Land, Orthodox Christians continue to preserve and nurture their faith despite severe trials. We have expressed our full moral and spiritual support for the Patriarchates of Jerusalem and Antioch – among the oldest churches in the world and the birthplace of Christianity. We assured them that, under the comforting words of St. Paul: “And whether he suffers in a member, he always sympathizes with the members; whether he is glorified in a member, he always congratulates the members.”

Responding to questions on developments in the Middle East from the MPs present, the Ecumenical Patriarch expressed his concern for the survival of Christianity in the Middle East. He pointed as an example to the tragic fate of the Christian community in Deir ez-Zor, Syria, which has dwindled to just seven elderly people from a once thriving population of three hundred families who fled due to violence in 2013. Recent events, he said, reveal deliberate attacks on Christian communities across northern Syria, causing complete displacement of the population. Attacks on churches and personal threats are causing the Coptic community in Egypt continued concern and insecurity, he added, while recalling the call of the patriarchs and the prelates of the churches in Jerusalem for an end to hostilities in Gaza.

Bartholomew commented that humanitarian initiatives are mainly focused on addressing immediate needs rather than addressing the root causes of these crises.

The Patriarch urged international organizations to take concrete actions, such as community preservation programs and emergency response plans, to safeguard these communities. In addition, he stressed the need for regional governance structures that protect the rights of Christians and advocated for a global response to the growing refugee crisis, which is also exacerbated by climate change.

Referring to developments in Ukraine, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew noted that the recognition of the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in January 2019 “demonstrates how canonical order and pastoral care can heal divisions and centuries-old wounds. It also affirms that the ancient canonical principles of the Orthodox Church can address contemporary problems in a divided world.”

The Patriarch acknowledged the sacrifices of the Ukrainian people in their struggle for independence and religious freedom and also recognized similar struggles in Estonia and Lithuania.

At the same time, he underscored the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s commitment to respect “the distinct and indisputable needs of each church and each community,” encouraging constructive engagement with the global community. “At the same time, in the tradition we have acquired over many centuries, we seek to honour the unique identity of each culture, while encouraging it to engage constructively in encounter and dialogue with the rest of the world, thus avoiding introversion and discrimination. This balance requires wisdom in distinguishing between essential traditions and adaptable practices, between fundamental principles and expressions,” the Ecumenical Patriarch stressed.

Concluding his address, Bartholomew reiterated that “Christian hope is not found in the kingdoms of this world, but in the Kingdom of God, not in the sons of men, but in the Son of God, who can liberate us from the practices and structures of sin, oppression and violence that corrupt our fallen world.”

His message called for a renewed commitment to shared values that transcend borders, fostering a global community united: ‘We can make a difference in the world. We can bring greater healing to its people. We can bring renewed hope if all of us – political and religious leaders – work together towards a common goal: that is, to leave behind a better world for our children than the one we inherited or created. A world where conflict and war are not the ways of resolving differences and divisions, where all religions and all races are respected equally and indiscriminately, where people have enough love as the mother tongue of all humanity, and where the diversity of nature is protected.”

Responding to a question from MPs present, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew referred to the importance of the upcoming celebration of the 1700th anniversary of the First Ecumenical Council of Nice. He stressed that this milestone offers Christian communities a unique opportunity to reflect on their common heritage, especially the Nicene Creed, which unites the various traditions and strengthens communion among them.

The Ecumenical Patriarch underlined the recent positive developments in relations between the Churches of Rome and Istanbul, noting Pope Francis‘s statement “for another opportunity to witness the growing communion that exists between Christians baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” He said the planned pilgrimage to Nice in May demonstrates the commitment to reconciliation between Eastern and Western Christianity. “The Ecumenical Patriarchate is equally committed to promoting Christian unity, not only through theological dialogue but also through lively discussions on a common date for Easter. We believe that the historic anniversary of Nicea should inspire new theological discussion, as well as renewed Christian cooperation,” he said, among other things.