The Secretary General of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy, Maximos Harakopoulos, noted the work of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in strengthening unity of global Orthodoxy.
This was reported by the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s press service and the Greek media.
Addressing Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on November 29 on the eve of the feast of the Holy Apostle Andrew the First-Called, Maximos Harakopoulos said that the efforts undertaken by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew include works in the name of Orthodox unity.
“We all know about the relentless efforts that you, as Ecumenical Patriarch and as the first among equals, are making to help Orthodoxy overcome the issues that have undermined it and enter the 21st century united and strong to fulfill its spiritual mission in a world that seems to be moving without a spiritual compass. The Holy and Great Synod of the Orthodox Church, which took place in Crete in 2016, is undoubtedly the highest church event in this regard. This is an event, whose precedent took place some 1300 years ago. Unfortunately, not everyone meets your sincere intentions with the relevant response. However, we are convinced that the foundations of Orthodox unity have already been laid and are unshakable. Have no doubt, Your All-Holiness, that one day even those who are absent will remember Bartholomew for the Council of Crete and its eternal messages,” said the Secretary General of the Interparliamentary Assembly of Orthodoxy.
“We are very pleased that Divine Grace has allowed us to be here today, in the once reigning city, the pearl of peace and the lighthouse of the Orthodox world, to celebrate with you the feast of our Ecumenical Patriarchate and celebrate with you, as humble pilgrims, the 30 years of your merciful ministry,” he also noted.
In addition, Maximos Harakopoulos stressed that “your multifaceted work, worthy of your great predecessors in conditions, albeit adverse and sometimes depressing, is well known. And yet, thanks to your unwavering faith, firm determination, and tireless work, you are able to ‘move’ even mountains of difficulties.”
The Greek MP added that the Ecumenical Throne under the leadership of Patriarch Bartholomew sent a light of hope and spiritual uplift to all Orthodox believers in difficult times.
“We are well aware that all of the above has been achieved through unspeakable efforts, endless hours of work, day and night, stark contrasts, and covert subversions by various circles and centers. However, you have remained a staunch bastion to defend the rights of Orthodoxy and the Ecumenical Throne, a defender of a tradition dating back 2,000 years,” Harakopoulos said.
The meeting was also attended by Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon.
