Yesterday, Feast of the Protection of the Holy Theotokos (Agia Skepi), His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew was awarded the Degree Doctor of Laws, Honoris Causa, from the University of Notre Dame. In his address in English following the award, His All Holiness expressed his concerns regarding the environment and the present global COVID pandemic, both of which, in his estimation, dovetail into a single moral imperative for the Churches and for all people “of good will.”
The following citations from his text stand out as summons to our call to become involved in the healing of creation and of the human family. They are words that were inspirational to all those present:
“It is an important but humbling lesson that the Church has learned during this time, namely, that religion must function and serve in connection with — and never in isolation from — science.” “Faith alone will not overcome the problems of our time, but the challenges of our time will certainly not be overcome without faith. Research and medicine are gifts from God; they supply answers to the question ‘how?’ Faith and theology are also gifts from God; they provide responses to the question ‘why?’”
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew also spoke of the “ecumenical imperative” of the Church’s response, stating that faith leaders are called to cooperate with leaders in the scientific and academic worlds, as well as the corporate and political domains.
“This interconnectedness reminds us that the earth unites us beyond any doctrinal, social or cultural differences,” he said. “The power of ecumenical dialogue lies in opening up beyond ourselves and our own interests, beyond our confessions or religions. It means learning to speak the language of care and compassion. And creation care brings us divided, insulated believers before a common task that we must face together.”
“And on this journey, it is you — college students — that offer us the optimism that we so yearn for: the readiness to accept change and sacrifice, the capacity to overcome polarization and partisanship, the conviction to be catalysts of social and ecological justice, as well as — quite frankly — the opportunity to save democracy and our planet. May God grant you the necessary wisdom and courage to continue leading this charge and mandate.”
May Christ the High Priest continue to bless and protect His All Holiness, Patriarch Bartholomew, and grant him many and blessed years! Eis polla eti, Despota!
Wishing you all God’s blessing,
Fr. Dimitrios