On December 18, 2024, in a speech during a service at the Church of St. Demetriou, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew stressed the importance of maintaining loyalty to Christ, even in difficult times. He called on the clergy and the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith, emphasizing that being a Christian is not easy, but it is a “unique privilege” and a holy duty.
“We will never raise the white flag, even if we have to taste bitterer cups of gratitude, even if we suffer worse humiliations, even if stronger, northerner and colder winds blow,” the patriarch said, according to the Spiritual Front of Ukraine, citing the website of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
Patriarch Bartholomew also emphasized that the Ecumenical Patriarchate will remain “active and immovable, as the Apostle Paul recommends (1 Cor. 15:58), always shepherding the same flock and standing guard at night (Luke 2:8), like the shepherds in Bethlehem, night and day, under all circumstances, and watching and praying (cf. Matthew 26:41), like the Lord Himself in the Garden of Gethsemane. Thanks to the Lord’s help and the confirmation of His word, we will stand firm and fight on the ramparts of faith and our people to the end!”
During his speech, Patriarch Bartholomew emphasized the role of the Mother Church in supporting Christian culture and spirituality: “Always remember that the Mother Church does not fight, it saves; it does not condemn, it forgives; it does not kill, it reanimates; it never dismembers, it heals; it does not honor, he advises; it does not humiliate, it honors; it does not bring you down, it elevates; it does not sadden, it makes you rejoice; it does not disturb, it pacifies; It does not persecute, it nurtures.”
He also addressed those present with an appeal to trust in God’s providence and act in the spirit of unity, noting that even in the most difficult circumstances the Church will continue to fulfill its mission.
Let us recall that Patriarch Bartholomew attended the solemn opening of the Assumption Cathedral in Smyrna.
