Bartholomew I
Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople
Bio and press contact: see below.

Two thousand years have passed from the day when the angelic hymn "Peace on Earth" was heard, but still the good will of God towards the human generations has not been fully accepted by humanity. Therefore, the love between peoples, tolerance, reconciliation and mutual understanding have not come to fruition.

Violence and war are considered by many as ways of improvement for the world’s situation. Also, many times, terrorist measures are used and innocent citizens and even children are harmed during acts of revenge, which do not discriminate.

The word of God, which advises "be not overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good," is not accepted. As a result, distress and pain increase, instead of joy and prosperity. The injustice, the abuse of the weak by the strong, intolerance and fanaticism all cause violence, and more violence in response, and evil becomes eternal in a vicious cycle.

All of the ideologies and convictions on the necessity and effectiveness of violence are wrong and are to be condemned. The only violence that could probably be justified, and that only because of the imperfectness of humanity, is that used by the legal authorities of a State to enforce the application of just laws.

All of us who love our fellow human beings, and believe in peace, as a foundation for spiritual and material prosperity, are obliged to cooperate for the social rejection, condemnation and halt of violence and terrorism.

The way of violence is a dead-end.

Message delivered on 21 September, 2004, to mark the observance of the International Day of Prayer for Peace.

Biographical summary

Since his enthronement in Nov. 1991, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, considered as spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, has contributed significantly to the cause of inter-religious dialogue and tolerance. During the 1990s, he convened a series of major conferences and interventions to promote peace and interfaith cooperation, bringing together religious leaders from the major faiths and heads of government to condemn violence in the name of religion. Known as the 'green patriarch,' Bartholomew I is also well-known for his environmental initiatives, linking spiritual vision with advocacy and practical actions for the care of creation.

Media contact: Metropolitan Gennadios of Sassima +90-532-217-3767 gennad@attglobal.net


Last edited on September 20, 2004 by Juan Michel / WCC