As Orthodox Christians, we use the Greek word kairos to describe a critical moment in time, often a specific historical period with lasting repercussions and eternal significance. For humankind and the planet as a whole, now is our kairos: the decisive time in our relationship with all of God’s creation, when we must respond in an opportune manner to protect life on earth from the worst consequences of human recklessness. May God grant us the wisdom to act promptly."
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
The Ecumenical Patriarch has persistently proclaimed the primacy of spiritual values in determining environmental ethics and action. To this end, he has spoken in global organizations and addressed religious assemblies, while encouraging Orthodox Christians throughout the world to care for God’s creation.
In 2008, the Ecumenical Patriarch was named one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People in the World for “defining environmentalism as a spiritual responsibility.
Vice President Al Gore welcomed Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew during his official visit to the United States in 1997 and hosted His All Holiness at the Vice Presidential Residence. During his welcome, Vice President Al Gore praised His All Holiness for his environmental work and referred to him as the "Green Patriarch".
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Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew-destroying the environment - 2009 Symposium California »
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Why Christians Care for the Environment (w/ Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew) »
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60 Minutes Interview with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I - 2020 »
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Interview Patriarch Bartholomew - Water in Times of Climate Change - 2020 »
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His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, “Climate Change Matters to God” - 2019 »
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The Green Patriarch - Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew - 2018 »
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Ecology as a way of life | Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew | TEDxRhodes - 2017 »
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Living Waters [Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew] - Beckett Films Rendition »
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Vice President Al Gore welcomes the "Green Patriarch" - 2009 »
