Our Green Patriarch,
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew:
Our Orthodox Faith and Our Environment”
On Saturday, November 23, 2024, Saint Thomas Greek Orthodox Church hosted a thought-provoking symposium, “Our Green Patriarch, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: Our Orthodox Faith and Our Environment.” The event, organized by His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, gathered Orthodox faithful and guests from across the region for an engaging day of theological reflection and dialogue on the pressing environmental issues facing our world today.
The symposium began with a warm welcome and light breakfast, providing attendees an opportunity to connect before the program commenced. The program featured two key academic presentations that tied the wisdom of our Orthodox Christian faith with the urgency of ecological responsibility:
Dr. Jack Pappas, a professor at Fordham University, offered a deep dive into how Orthodox theology, particularly the concepts of Creation, the Incarnation, and Transfiguration, can guide our response to the global environmental crisis.
Dr. Crina Gschwandtner, also from Fordham University, explored the profound relationship between Orthodox liturgy and the natural world. Her presentation emphasized how the prayers and rituals of our faith can help us reconnect with the earth and inspire ecological action.
Following the academic presentations, His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey provided a thoughtful response, bringing together the key themes from the morning’s discussions and reflecting on the integral role that environmental stewardship plays in our Orthodox faith. His words underscored the importance of continuing the legacy of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who has been a tireless advocate for environmental issues, earning him the title of “Green Patriarch.”
This symposium served as an important reminder of the need for action in caring for God’s creation. In his leadership, Patriarch Bartholomew has consistently urged the global Orthodox community to be mindful stewards of the environment, emphasizing that ecological responsibility is a vital aspect of Christian life.
The event concluded with a luncheon, allowing attendees to further discuss the topics covered, deepen their understanding of Orthodox environmental teachings, and renew their commitment to promoting sustainability in their own lives.
We thank everyone who participated in the symposium for their dedication to learning more about the intersection of our faith and the environment. The event was a wonderful reflection of our collective responsibility as stewards of the earth, guided by the wisdom of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew.
