Globally recognized for his prescience in advocating for responsible stewardship of the natural environment over the last three decades, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has recently called upon his flock to take a much more critical look at the ways in which modern society fails to safeguard the dignity of the human person. Toward this end, His Eminence Archbishop Nikitas was appointed coordinator for the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Task Force on Modern Slavery and has been consulting and working with specialists from around the world to raise awareness of the complexities and challenges surrounding modern forms of enslavement.

Inspired by the visionary pastoral initiatives of the Ecumenical Patriarch and under the direction of Archbishop Nikitas, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain is pleased to present its own contribution to these efforts in the form of an informational booklet entitled Protecting the Vulnerable: Addressing the Sin of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery. This collection of five reflections is not an exhaustive treatment of modern slavery, but a valuable introduction to the topic gathered from the diverse personal experience and professional expertise of five different members of the Archdiocese. We pray that each of the perspectives in this offering will educate, awaken, and refine our spiritual senses toward the hidden subjugation and suffering taking place all around us.

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch recently visited Ukraine on 20-24 August, at the invitation of the President of Ukraine, Mr. Volodymyr Zelensky, and the Primate of the Church of Ukraine, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphanios of Kiev and All Ukraine to partake in the celebrations of the 30th anniversary of Ukrainian Independence.

Upon his arrival at the Kyiv International Airport, having received the prescribed honors, the Ecumenical Patriarch was welcomed by the Prime Minister of Ukraine, Mr. Denys Shmyhal, His Beatitude Metropolitan Epiphanios of Kiev and All Ukraine and a number of State, Government and Ecclesiastical officials as well as by the Ambassador of Greece to Ukraine, Mr. Vassilios Bornovas.

His All-Holiness was accompanied by their Eminences Metropolitan Elder Emmanuel of Chacedon, Metropolitans Amphilochios of Adrianople, Stephanos of Philippi, Neapolis and Thassos, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Grigorios, Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod, the Very Reverend Grand Synkellos Iakovos Krochak, the Very Reverend Patriarchal Deacon Ieronymos, Mr. Nikolaos Papachristou, Director of the Patriarchal Office of Press and Communication, and other associates.

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His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew celebrated 60 years of his ordination as a deacon in his hometown of Imbros on 13 August 2021 with the participation of their Beatitudes the Pope and Patriarch Theodoros of Alexandria and All Africa and the Metropolitan Epiphanios of Kiev and All Ukraine, as well as the representatives of the Churches of Cyprus and Greece, Metropolitans Nektarios of Kiti and Panteleimon of Maronia and Komotini respectively, with the presence of their Eminences Metropolitans Elders Emmanuel of Chalcedon and Apostolos of Derkoi, Metropolitans Chrysostomos of Myra, George of Guinea, Paul of Drama, Eustratios of Chernihiv and Nizhyn, Bishop Adrianos of Halicarnassus, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate under the leadership of Mr. Athanasios Martinou, Political Commander of Mount Athos, the Consul General of Greece in the City Mrs. Georgia Sultanopoulou, the Mayor of Imbros Mr. Alnal Çetin, and many of his compatriots and friends of Imbros.

Before the Dismissal, His All-Holiness performed a memorial service for the rest of the soul of his Elder and benefactor, the late Metropolitan Elder Meliton of Chalcedon, who resided in the Holy Diocese of Imbros and Tenedos for thirteen years and had ordained His All-Holiness to the fist degree of priesthood in 1961.

Evidently moved, the Ecumenical Patriarch addressed his brothers the Primates, the hierarchs, the clergy and the faithful, thanking all those who honored with their presence this important day in the course of his life as a clergyman of the Holy Church of Christ. His Holiness was then addressed by the Primates of the Churches of Alexandria and Ukraine. The Metropolitans Metropolitans Nektarios of Kiti and Panteleimon of Maronia and Komotini read respectively the congratulatory letters of their Beatitudes Archbishops Chrysostomos of Cyprus and Jerome of Athens and all of Greece, while the Chief Secretary of the Holy and Sacred Synod, Archimandrite Grigorios read the message sent by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania. The Mayor of Imbros also congratulated His All-Holiness with warm words, who described as important it is for the island to have a descendant at the head of the first Throne of the Orthodox Church.Afterwards, a festive banquet was held in the gardens of the Palace of the Metropolis. In the afternoon, His All-Holiness, together with the Primates, the hierarchs and many Imbriotes and visitors attended a festive concert.

The Delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, consisting of Their Eminences Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Metropolitan Iosif of Buenos Aires, and the Reverend Patriarchal Deacon Varnavas Grigoriadis, traveled to Rome to participate in the Thronal Feast of the Church of Rome. On 28 June, they took part in the conversations with the members of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, during which they discussed current issues of the two Churches. They were received by His Holiness Pope Francis in a private audience, in the presence of His Eminence Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, His Excellency Bishop Brian Farrell, Secretary of the Pontifical Council, and Monsignor Andrea Palmieri, Under-Secretary of the Pontifical Council.

At the audience, Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon read the letter from His All-Holiness, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, addressed to His Holiness Pope Francis. His Holiness Pope Francis responded with his address. The delegation was then received for lunch by His Holiness Pope Francis. On 29 June, the members of the delegation will attend the Solemn Mass for the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul at Saint Peter’s Basilica.

The President of the Republic of North Macedonia, Stevo Pendarovski, visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate on 19 June 2021. The president, who was accompanied by high-ranking officials of the Presidency and the Consul General of Northern Macedonia in Istanbul, Aktan Ago, were welcomed by the Grand Protosyncellus Theodoros and Archimandrite Grigorios, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, along with the clergy of the Patriarchal Court.

Afterwards, Mr. Pendarovski and the members of his delegation visited the patriarchal church, and were then received by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who expressed his delight at the president’s visit to the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Pendarovski said he had been to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in the early 2000’s, accompanying the then president of his country as a member of his staff.

The meeting, which took place in a cordial atmosphere, was attended by Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, Grand Protosyncellus Theodoros, Archimandrite Grigorios, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, and Grand Syncellus Iakovos, as well as the president’s associates. It was followed by a private meeting between the Ecumenical Patriarch and the president, who exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. The Ecumenical Patriarch thanked President Stevo Pendarovski for his visit and for the interesting discussion they had.

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew celebrated His Name’s Day on 11 June 2021 at the patriarchal church at the Phanar on the feast of the Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas. The service was attended by hierarchs of the Ecumenical Throne, delegations of the Autocephalous Churches of Cyprus and Ukraine, Abbots from Mount Athos, clergy, monks and nuns, archons of the Ecumenical Throne, the Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece Mr. Konstantinos Vlasis, the Ambassador of Greece in Ankara Mr. Michael-Christos Diamesis, the former Deputy Minister Mr. Antonis Diamataris, Mrs. Georgia Sultanopoulou and Mr. Oleksandr Gaman respectively Consuls General of Greece and Ukraine in Istanbul, community leaders, students of the Patriarchal Great School of the Nation together with their principal and teachers, faithful from Istanbul and pilgrims from abroad.

After the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon greeted His All-Holiness on behalf of the hierarchy. Then wishes were conveyed on behalf of the Greek Government by the Deputy Foreign Minister Mr. Konstantinos Vlasis. A heartfelt greeting from the President of Ukraine Mr. Volodymyr Zelenskyy was also read by the Consul General of Ukraine Mr. Oleksandr Gaman. Wishes to His All-Holiness were also expressed in writing and by telephone by Primates of Churches, Heads of State, Prime Ministers and political leaders, ministers, hierarchs, religious ministers and many personalities, as well as many believers of all nationalities from all over the world.

The informal talks between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Anglican Communion took place online on 8 June 2021. The delegation of the Ecumenical Patriarchate consisted of Archbishop Nikitas of Thyateira and Great Britain, Metropolitan Athenagoras of Belgium and Exarch of the Netherlands and Luxembourg (Orthodox co-chair of the International Commission of the Anglican-Orthodox Theological Dialogue), Archbishop Job of Telmessos and Protopresbyter Christos Christakis (Orthodox co-secretary of that Commission). The Anglican Communion was represented by the Anglican co-president, Archbishop Richard Clarke (Anglican co-chair of the International Commission of the Anglican-Orthodox Theological Dialogue), Bishop Graham Usher, Reverend Sarah Rowland Jones, Reverend Dr. Will Adam and Reverend Neil Vigers. The two delegations dealt with the current issues of both the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Anglican Communion as well as other theological and social issues of common interest.

The virtual Assembly of the European Christian Environmental Network (ECEN) was held online from 31 May to 1 June 2021 addressing the theme “Reconciled with Creation: A Call for Urgent Action on Climate and Biodiversity”. The ECEN Assembly brought over 200 participants from Europe and beyond. The event highlighted responses to climate change and efforts for a sustainable future with an ethical dimension, addressing questions of individual and collective freedom, as well as pursuit of justice and responsibility for the future.

The Assembly also highlighted practices from European churches addressing environmental concerns, and advocating for supportive governance. European Christian youth played a vital role at the assembly, where environmental initiatives from youth were especially honoured. “Reconciliation with the earth cannot be separated from corporeality and is closely linked to the care of and reverence for life,” said Bishop Jochen Cornelius-Bundschuh from the Protestant Church in Baden, and keynote speaker at the assembly. “In struggle for reconciliation with the earth, churches are obliged to contribute the theological concept of an interruption of the instrumental, solely purpose-oriented way of thinking and acting. They will advocate long-established social practice of Sunday, which publicly celebrates a good life within the framework of an ‘economy of enough’ namely the recognition of individual dignity, a reconciled and sustainable community and the uplifting care of creation,” he added.

“Orthodox theology calls humanity to develop an ascetic ethos which implies moderation, sobriety and self-control,” said Archbishop Job of Telmessos from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, who reflected from an Orthodox point of view. “The ascetic way of life promoted by Orthodox theology and spirituality suggests moderation, through the practice of fasting among many other things, as well as by cultivating a sense of solidarity for the entire creation,” added Archbishop Job.

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The Deputy Secretary of State of the United States of America, Mrs Wendy R. Sherman visited the Ecumenical Patriarchate on 29 May 2021 and was received with great honor. She was accompanied by the US Ambassador to Ankara, Mr. David Satterfield, and his associates. They were welcomed by the Grand Protosyncellus Theodoros, Archimandrite Grigorios, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, and the Grand Syncellus Iakovos. Afterwards, Mrs. Sherman, Mr. Satterfield and their companions visited the patriarchal church.

Afterwards, the high visitor was warmly welcomed by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who expressed his joy for her visit. Attending the meeting were Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon and officials of the Patriarchate, Ambassador Satterfield and the Minister’s associates. They raised issues of common interest and referred to past patriarchal visits to the United States, as well as the forthcoming one to be held next October. The Patriarch also briefed Mrs. Sherman on the priorities and activities of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, which, among other things, aim at the peace of the world. Finally, His All-Holiness wished Mrs. Sherman a safe and fruitful continuation of her visit in the coming days from Turkey to countries of the Far East.

For her part, the Minister spoke about her country’s interest in religious freedoms around the world and its respect for the historic institution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and its role today internationally.

On 25 May, 2021, the President of Poland, Mr Andrzej Duda was received with great honor at the headquarters of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, at the Phanar, in Istanbul. President Duda was accompanied by the First Lady Mrs. Agata Kornhauser-Duda, Ministers and other senior officials of his country. He was welcomed by the Very Grand Protosyncellus Theodoros, accompanied by the Very Reverend Archimandrite Gregory, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod, and the clergy of the Patriarchal Court. Afterwards, President Duda, his wife and the members of his Delegation prayed in the Patriarchal Church where they were guided by the Very Reverend Grand Ecclesiarch Aetios, Director of the Private Patriarchal Office who presented its history as well as the holy relics and icons kept in it. Special mention was made of the holy relics of Saints John Chrysostom and Gregory the Theologian, which were returned to the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 2004 by Pope John Paul II of Polish descent, who before his election in 1978, served for fifteen years as Archbishop of Krakow, the city where President Duda was born.

Afterwards, the Very Grand Protosyncellus Theodoros accompanied the distinguished delegation to the Eugenides Palace, where in the auditorium it was received and welcomed by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew who expressed his pleasure for the visit of the President of Poland, whom he had officially visited a few years ago in Warsaw. Their cordial special meeting was also attended by His Eminence Senior Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, the Very Grand Protosyncellus Theodoros and the Very Reverend Archimandrite Gregory, Chief Secretary of the Holy Synod.

His All-Holiness and President Duda discussed the ministry, initiatives and actions of the Ecumenical Throne, the state of Orthodoxy in the world as well as the developments of inter-Christian dialogue. His All-Holiness referred to the important contribution of the Orthodox Church of Poland, who was granted the status of autocephaly by the Ecumenical Patriarchate in 1924, and recalled with emotion his visit to Warsaw in 2015, when, at the invitation of His Beatitude Metropolitan Savva of Warsaw and all Poland, he laid the foundation stone of the majestic church of the Divine Wisdom, which recalls the long and indestructible ties of the daughter Church of Poland with the Mother Church of Constantinople. They also had the opportunity to discuss issues of wider interest, such as the Ecumenical Throne initiatives to raise global public awareness of the need to preserve the creation and the protection of the natural environment, but also the importance of Christian values ​​and traditions in shaping of modern societies.

Afterwards, the President and the First Lady of Poland signed the Guestbook of the Patriarchate, where, in their text, they point out, among other things, the importance of interfaith dialogue, especially in the modern world, for unity and the promotion of peace. They are also proud to say that the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Poland is an active community in their country that participates in its social life and acts by the principles and values ​​that witness the universality of Christianity. The Ecumenical Patriarch accompanied the President of Poland to the main gate of ​​the Patriarchate on his departure from the Phanar and thanked him for his honorary visit to the Center of Orthodoxy.