In an atmosphere of emotion, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew delivered a speech in Romania during the celebrations for the 140th anniversary of Autocephaly and the 100th anniversary of the Patriarchal elevation of the Romanian Orthodox Church.

The Patriarch praised the historic ties between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Romania, congratulating Patriarch Daniel for the consecration ceremony of the mosaics in the Cathedral of the Salvation of the People, which he described as “a symbol of the deep faith of the Romanian people.”

“Our presence in this blessed country is due to the anniversaries of 140 years of Autocephaly and 100 years of Patriarchal elevation of the Orthodox Church of Romania — a brief moment in the history of this rich land. We gladly accepted the invitation of Patriarch Daniel to participate in the consecration of the mosaics of the Cathedral of the Salvation of the People,” he said.

Honoring the Founder of the Alexandrion Foundation

During the Alexandrion Foundation’s event, the Patriarch also honored the memory of its late founder, Dr. Nawaf Salameh, emphasizing his contribution to the promotion of faith, education, and philanthropy.

On International Conflicts

Referring to global issues, the head of Orthodoxy expressed sorrow over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, calling for an immediate end to the war and condemning the use of religion for political purposes.

He also referred to the tragedy in Gaza and the need to strengthen peace efforts, praising the initiatives of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Patriarch stressed that the Ecumenical Patriarchate, “as a supranational and purely spiritual institution,” draws its strength “from love and not from power.” He underlined that recognizing “the image of God in every human being” forms the basis of all inter-Christian and interfaith initiatives.

“As the Ecumenical Patriarchate — a supranational and purely spiritual institution — we rely on the power of love, not the love of power. We struggle for the peaceful resolution of conflicts based on the Gospel of Christ, not through political means.
We mourn the ongoing fratricidal war against Ukraine by the Russian Federation, and from the very beginning we called for it to stop immediately. Faith must not become a tool for political agendas.
Regarding the Middle East and the tragedy in Gaza, while we praise the peace efforts of U.S. President Donald Trump, we call on all to build bridges rather than destroy homes. The future of Christianity in the land where our Savior was born hangs by a thread — as does that of our brothers and sisters in Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and elsewhere.
In every inter-Christian or interreligious initiative, we recognize the image of God in every human being. In that recognition lies the salvation of the world.”

Closing Remarks

In conclusion, the Patriarch blessed the work of the Alexandrion Foundation and expressed his wish “that we may all come to know the truth of our existence and that the Kingdom of God may come upon the earth.”