Ecumenical Patriarch blesses Ecclesiastical New Year, prays for integrity of creation at Constantinople

His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on Sunday officiated the service of the Indiction in the presence of tens of hierarchs and offered prayers for the integrity of creation on the 30th anniversary since the establishment of September 1 as a Day of Prayer for the Protection of the Environment.

Following the Divine Liturgy celebrated at St George’s Patriarchal Cathedral at the Phanar, the Ecumenical Patriarch and his fellow hierarchs signed the act of the new Indiction.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew signing the Act of the new Indiction, Sept. 1, 2019. Photo: Ecumenical Patriarchate / Nikos Manghinas

In order to underscore the 30 years of efforts and various initiatives taken by the Patriarchate of Constantinople in the field of ecology, Patriarch Bartholomew called for the protection of the integrity of creation.

‘In essence, the interest of the Church for the protection of the environment is the extension of the Holy Eucharist in all dimensions of its relationship to the world,’ the Patriarch’s message reads.

Care for the natural environment is not an added activity, but an essential expression of church life. It does not have a secular, but rather a purely ecclesiastical character. It is a “liturgical ministry.”

The Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople cautioned that ecological problems are global, therefore ‘in order to meet these challenges, we require a multi-layered mobilization, a common accord, direction and action’.

He appreciated the initiatives of the dioceses, parishes and monasteries of the Patriarchate of Constantinople for the protection of the environment, but also for the development of ecological education programs.

The service was attended by several Orthodox theologians who came to Constantinople from all over the world to participate in the International Conference on the theological legacy of Archpriest Georges Florovsky that marks the 40th anniversary of his repose.

Photography courtesy of the Ecumenical Patriarchate / Nikos Manghinas

Facebook comments


Latest News