Remarks by H.E. Ambassador of Greece V. Kaskarelis on the occasion of the visit of his all holiness Patriarch Bartholomew visit to Washington

Your All Holiness, Eminences, Excellencies, Members of Congress, Ladies and Gentlemen,

With profound respect and my utmost esteem, I welcome YOU and your honorable delegation to Washington. I am confident that I express the sentiments of everyone here when I say that we are privileged to be in Your presence. 

More than 30 years ago, at the beginning of my diplomatic career, serving at the Greek Embassy in Ankara, I was fortunate to visit the First Throne of Orthodoxy many times and pay reverence to this sacred institution, the guardian of our faith, the bright beacon of Orthodoxy.

After two millennia and in the face of hardship, the Ecumenical Patriarchate is not a historical relic; it is a relevant, integral part of contemporary life, recognized by religious and secular authorities around the world.

This fact is made particularly clear this week, when the entire leadership here in Washington, from President Obama, to Vice President Biden, to the Speaker of the House, to Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, members of Congress, some of whom are here with us today, is making time not only to meet with you, but to honor you in an extensive program of events. 

Your All Holiness,

Under your wise leadership, the stamp of Orthodoxy on global issues is more indelible than ever. By responding to the challenges of our times, you have transcended the bounds of the Orthodox world, lending your Ecumenical status to the service of your fellow men, carrying out a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional mission throughout the world, sending forth a message of love, hope, and good will, actively promoting peace, democracy and solidarity. 

As the voice of Eastern Christianity, “first among equals” in the hierarchy of the Orthodox churches, you have undertaken very important initiatives for the promotion of inter-faith dialogue, as well as the theological dialogue with the Catholic Church, which has evolved beyond the purely spiritual into a major geopolitical event.

Having emerged as a preeminent figure on the environment, making its protection a moral imperative, it is no coincidence that you are referred to as ‘the Green Patriarch’ by leaders of the international environmental community.

Honored guests, ladies and gentlemen,

Environmental developments have proven what a visionary Patriarch Bartholomew is, since more than 20 years ago, he was one of the first, if not the only, among religious and political international leaders to sound the alarm about the approaching environmental disaster.

About ten days ago, 200 leaders of the environmental movement gathered in New Orleans for the eighth ecological symposium hosted by His Holiness. Participants included leading scientists and theologians, politicians and policy makers, business leaders and NGOs, environmentalists and journalists. To draw attention to the condition of the Mississippi and consider its fate within the global environment, they sailed up and blessed his great river.

The Patriarch’s contributions have been formally recognized and honored by numerous governmental, academic, and other institutions around the world.

On his first official visit to the United States in 1997, the U.S. Congress awarded him a gold medal in recognition of his “outstanding and enduring contributions to religious understanding and peace”, an honor it reserves for a very small number of world leaders.

Last year, Time Magazine ranked him as number 11 among 100 most influential people in the world.

Today, the world looks to Orthodoxy and its Ecumenical Patriarchate as a source of inspiration and positive influence on global events and dialogue between cultures. This valuable contribution can be even more significant, if persistent problems related to the Sacred Institution’s status and daily functioning are appropriately taken care of. Even in the face of sometimes extreme political and financial challenges, however, with the help of its faith and the credibility it enjoys around the world, the Patriarchate steadfastly proceeds with its mission, through great toil which would otherwise be put to the service of mankind.

Your All Holiness,

Rest assured that You are not alone. There is active support for your causes on both sides of the Atlantic. The U.S. Congress, the leadership and citizens of the United States, as well as many other countries, fully support your tireless mission. Needless to say, the survival and prosperity of the Ecumenical Patriarchate are fundamental goals for Greece. My colleagues and I will not relent until the rights of the Patriarchate are secured to the fullest, in accordance with the rights and ideals of the democratic world we all aspire to live in.

Your All Holiness,

It has been an honor and a privilege. We kindly ask for your blessing.