NEW YORK – Last evening, Monday, October 26, His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presided over the Ninth Annual Orthodox Prayer Service for the United Nations Community, at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Archdiocesan Cathedral, the traditional site when the service is hosted by an Eastern Orthodox Church. The Ecumenical Patriarch was accompanied to the Service by Metropolitan Geron Athanasios of Chalcedon, Metropolitan Emmanuel of France, Metropolitan Ambrosios of Korea, and clergy and lay leaders of the Church of Constantinople.
This Service is sponsored annually by the Joint Commission of the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) and the Standing Conference of the Oriental Orthodox Churches of America (SCOOCH).
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America welcomed His All Holiness and the assembled Hierarchs, Clergy, Ambassadors and Dignitaries of the UN Diplomatic Corps and laity to the Cathedral, which was filled to overflowing. Over 70 clergy of the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox Churches were in attendance. The Choir of St. Vladimir’s Seminary provided the processional and recessional hymns, while the Choir of Holy Cross Seminary chanted a traditional Vespers Service in English.
Archbishop Demetrios led the Members of the SCOBA, including Bishop Antoun representing the Antiochian Archdiocese, Archbishop Nicolae of the Romanian Archdiocese, Metropolitan Christopher of the Serbian Archdiocese, Metropolitan Jonah of the OCA, Bishop Ilia of the Albanian Diocese and Archpriest Alexander Abramov of the Representation of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA. The Metropolitans of the Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America as well as other Hierarchs were also in attendance.
His Eminence Archbishop Khajag Barsamian , Primate of the Armenian Orthodox Church and Chairman of SCOOCH led the following Hierarchs of the SCOOCH delegation: Archbishop Mor Cyril Aphrem Karim of the Syrian Orthodox Church, Archbishop Zecharius of the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, Bishop David of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and Archbishop Mor Titus Yeldho of the Malankara Syrian Orthodox Archdiocese Archbishop Celestino Migliore, the Ambassador to the UN for the Vatican, led a very large showing of the UN diplomatic corps, which included the Ambassadors of Orthodox countries and those countries where the families of the Christian Churches represented by SCOBA and SCOOCH exist locally.
Greetings from Secretary General Ban-Ki-moon were delivered by Under-Secretary-General Vijay Nambiar , Chef de Cabinet, with special words of welcome to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The address was delivered by the President of the Brookings Institution, former Deputy Sceretary of State Strobe Talbott . In his remarks, Talbott highlighted the pioneering work of His All Holiness for ecological responsibility in the faith community. He also commented on the recently concluded work of the Eighth Religion, Science and Environment Symposium that His All Holiness convened last week in New Orleans on behalf of the Mississippi River.
In his response, His All Holiness stressed both environmental responsibility and dedication to religious freedom that are integral to the message of the Gospel. He also spoke of service to the world:
[W]e Orthodox Christians are called to offer service to humanity without expectation of anything in return, and also, to be examples for others to do the For the rest of this News Release, visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in the Wall Street Journal
October 26, 2009
His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was published this morning on the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal in an op-ed piece entitled: "Our Indivisible Environment."
New York, New York
10/26/09
His All Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was published this morning on the editorial page of the Wall Street Journal in an op-ed piece entitled: "Our Indivisible Environment."
The editorial, which can be found on page A-17 of the print edition, and on the website at
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704500604574485341504345488.html
is a powerful statement for the Orthodox Christian view of creation and the need for the protection of the environment. The 18 year patriarchy of His All Holiness has been characterized by this utmost concern for the environment. The Ecumenical Patriarch also finds common cause with all faith communities and non-believers as well, when he states:
Moreover, just as God is indivisible, so too is our global environment. The molecules of water that comprise the great North Atlantic are neither European nor American. The particles of atmosphere above the United Kingdom are neither Labour nor Tory. There can be no double vision, no dualistic worldview. Faith communities and nonbelievers alike must focus on the common issue of the survival of our planet. The natural environment unites us in ways that transcend doctrinal differences.
The Ecumenical Patriarch has just concluded his Eighth Religion, Science and Environment Symposium in New Orleans, focusing on the Mississippi River. His Apostolic Visit to the United States continues in New York, Atlanta and Washington DC until November 6th.
More information about His All Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the environmental work of the Church and the Apostolic Visit to the United States may be found at:
www.usvisit2009.org and www.patriarchate.org.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Visits Ninth Ward
October 23, 2009
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew made a return visit to the Lower Ninth Ward District today to survey the recovery and restoration efforts of the wetland area in Bayou Bienvenue.
CONDUCTS MEMORIAL SERVICE AND BLESSES THE WATERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI
NEW ORLEANS - His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew made a return visit to the Lower Ninth Ward District today to survey the recovery and restoration efforts of the wetland area in Bayou Bienvenue.
In January 2006, the Ecumenical Patriarch traveled to New Orleans in order to witness the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and to pray with the people of New Orleans. His visit today was part of his continuing advocacy for the protection of the environment that is being highlighted once again at the Eighth Religion, Science and Environment Symposium, entitled " Restoring Balance: The Great Mississippi River ," convened by His All Holiness this week in New Orleans.
Upon his arrival in the area, His All Holiness walked up a platform overlooking the wetlands and was briefed by local officials on the work of the coastal restoration of the bayou, the re-building of the levees, which would prevent storm waves and allow trees and other vegetation to flourish again in the area.
"We are here again to pray for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and their families and to express our solidarity with the people of New Orleans. We shall also continue to pray and work for the protection of the natural environment," said His All Holiness to the local officials, conservationists and residents of the area.
"God compelled you to come and stand with us in our fight to restore the natural environment in this area, which is part of God's creation," said City of New Orleans Councilwoman Cynthia Willard-Lewis as she thanked His All Holiness for his visit and his prayers and on behalf of the City Council presented him with a Proclamation.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew proceeded near the waters of the bayou and along with other hierarchs and clergy accompanying him chanted the hymn of the Epiphany. He then toured the area where the levees had broke and met with local residents who have only recently moved back.
Earlier in the day, His All Holiness conducted a memorial service at the St. Louis Cemetery # 3 of New Orleans, for the victims of Hurricane Katrina and also in memory of the late Archbishop Iakovos of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of North & South America, whose patron saint's day is celebrated today, according to the Orthodox Christian liturgical calendar.
Yesterday, Oct. 22, His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, as part of the Eighth Religion, Science and the Environment (RSE) Symposium, conducted the Service of Sanctification, blessing of the Waters, aboard the riverboat "Natchez" and symbolically sprinkled Holy Water over the Mississippi River. All the participants of the Symposium were aboard to witness the ceremony.
Photos and additional resources for the media at:
http://www.patriarchate.org/news/media
BROADCAST QUALITY FOOTAGE in NTSC and PAL available at:
http://www.patriarchate.org/news/media/pressvideo
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Begins Apostolic and Patriarchal Visit to the U.S.
October 21, 2009
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrived today in New Orleans, as he begins a 15-day Apostolic and Patriarchal Visit to the United States. “We welcome you, Your All Holiness with deep reverence and respect, total dedication and plenty of love,” said Archbishop Demetrios of America, welcoming the Ecumenical Patriarch at Louis Armstrong Airport along with Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, members of the local clergy, local officials, a small group of Orthodox faithful from this area and two-dozen children dressed in traditional costume.
NEW ORLEANS – His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrived today in New Orleans, as he begins a 15-day Apostolic and Patriarchal Visit to the United States. “We welcome you, Your All Holiness with deep reverence and respect, total dedication and plenty of love,” said Archbishop Demetrios of America, welcoming the Ecumenical Patriarch at Louis Armstrong Airport along with Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, members of the local clergy, local officials, a small group of Orthodox faithful from this area and two-dozen children dressed in traditional costume.
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew offered a few words of greeting and blessing to those who had gathered at the airport and said:
From the Mother Church of Constantinople and the Holy and Great Church of Christ, the Ecumenical Patriarchate, we bring you greetings and blessings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
We give thanks to Almighty God for granting us a safe arrival here in New Orleans, a place to which we return with much hope and expectation. We return after nearly four years, when we came in the Winter of 2006 to share in the loss and pain of the courageous citizens of New Orleans and to witness the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. We return to the place where the mighty Mississippi River nears its course into the Gulf of Mexico, and where the waves of the sea and the banks of the river overflowed. We return so that we might bear witness to the hope that is in you, the hope you have manifested through the rebuilding your lives and your community. We return in order to pray with you and to intercede with the Lord of creation, that the ‘flood of many waters shall not come nigh unto you again’, (cf. Psalm 31/32:6).
We return to this historic and famed city, and call on your fellow citizens around the country to return here for themselves; whether to live or enjoy the unique offerings of New Orleans.
Finally, we return to New Orleans with the same conviction and concern that has taken us around the globe, to oceans and seas and mighty rivers: from the Aegean to the Arctic, from the Black to the Baltic Seas, from the Danube to Amazon – and now, to the mighty Mississippi River. Throughout the previous seven Religion, Science and Environment Symposia, we have brought together academics and policy makers, scientists and theologians; so that we might pose questions and find solutions for the ecological perils of our time.
Here in New Orleans, for the next five days, we shall gather again, and we thank the RSE Committee for their extraordinary efforts in bringing this conference to fruition. Our prayer is that during these days, we shall heighten awareness, strengthen resolve, raise expectations and explore new hopes.
We stand in solidarity with the people of New Orleans and all people who seek a better life. And we are present with you to call for a renewed consciousness for environmental responsibility, and an awareness of what such a consciousness entails.
We pray that our days among you will be a blessing for you and a blessing for us, for we come with only words of peace, love and benediction upon our lips and in our hearts. May God bless the people here present, and bestow upon all his infinite mercy.
Tomorrow Oct. 21, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will convene and officially ope For the rest of this News Release, visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Officially Opens Eighth Environmental Symposium in New Orleans
October 21, 2009
His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew officially opened today the Eighth Religion, Science and the Environment (RSE) Symposium, entitled “Restoring Balance: The Great Mississippi River,” which takes place here for the next five days under his high patronage and includes a large and diverse group of theologians, scientists, policymakers, environmentalists, representatives of business and NGOs, and media.
NEW ORLEANS – His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew officially opened today the Eighth Religion, Science and the Environment (RSE) Symposium, entitled “Restoring Balance: The Great Mississippi River,” which takes place here for the next five days under his high patronage and includes a large and diverse group of theologians, scientists, policymakers, environmentalists, representatives of business and NGOs, and media.
Roman Catholic Archbishop Gregory Aymond of New Orleans welcomed the Ecumenical Patriarch and read a cordial, prayerful and personal message from Pope Benedict XVI in which he conveyed his support and solidarity in the effort of caring and protecting the environment and “the safeguarding of God’s creation.”
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in his very significant opening address said that “we have reached a defining moment in our history…the point where absolute limits to our survival are being reached,” and we “instead of living on income, or the available surplus of the earth, we are consuming environmental capital and destroying its resources as if there is no tomorrow.” (See full text below)
Following the Patriarchal Address, retired US Senator Paul Sarbanes, who is a participant in the symposium read a message from former Vice President Al Gore, in which he expressed his esteem and respect for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s perseverance demonstrated by this Eighth Environmental Symposium. Al Gore was the first to address Patriarch Bartholomew as the “Green Patriarch” in 1997 when welcoming him to Washington D.C.
Finally, Archbishop Demetrios, as the Primate of the Greek Orthodox Church in America, offered an official welcome to the Ecumenical Patriarch both to the United States and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, which is an eparchy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. “We are in this wounded city, New Orleans, and in an equally wounded River, the mighty Mississippi. And we are here to contribute, as much as it is possible, to the healing of both,” said Archbishop Demetrios and added that His All Holiness is “the Healer Patriarch who laboriously, incessantly, and deliberately serves in an extraordinary way the ecological healing process and tends to the wounds inflicted upon nature by human beings.”
Information on the Ecumenical Patriarch and his visit to the U.S. can also be found online at: www.goarch.org or www.usvisit2009.org and on the Mississippi symposium at: www.rsesymposia.org
Contact: Stavros Papagermanos
Tel.: (212) 570-3530 or (718) 415-5850
Email: pressoffice@goarch.org
Opening Address of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
Symposium The Great Mississippi River: Restoring Balance’ (New Orleans, 21 October 2009)
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you all to the official opening of Symposium VIII, entitled “The Great Mississippi River”.
This Symposium is in many ways both historical and unique. This river comprises a microcosm of our planet. In its waters, we observe many of the world’s ecological issues. We are humbled in its presence. We have come to listen to its story, to learn from its history.
Let us consider our own presence on this great river.
As the Mississippi links the prairies to the sea, we ourselves form the link between the past and the future. Science has developed a theory to explain the beginning of the Universe almost 14 billion years ago, the beginning of simple life forms some 4 billion years ago and the birth of human beings a mere 160,000 yea For the rest of this News Release, visit the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website
Email this Page 
Printer Friendly Version
