The Inspiring Impact of Patriarch Bartholomew I on the Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’

Abstract

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I has undertaken various activities in order to protect the environment. In the article, he was depicted as the hierarch of the Orthodox Church, who is particularly friendly to all creatures. He has been recognized internationally due to his contribution in developing ecological programs, chairing Pan-Orthodox gatherings and international symposia, and organizing interdisciplinary seminars. The purpose of these activities is to seek solutions to the most pressing problems relating to the environment. For more than two decades, he has organized “green symposia on the water.” In these important meetings participate Orthodox believers and the faithful of other Christian Churches, as well as scientists, environmentalists, journalists and politicians. The aim of these interdisciplinary symposia is to search for possible activities to the world in which we live, in order to save it for future generations. Patriarch Bartholomew’s significant contribution is also calling for a closer relationship between science and theology. Pope Francis in the Encyclical Letter Laudato Si’ appreciates various forms of ecological activities of “the Green Patriarch” and also refers to the problems related to the protection of the environment undertaken by him. It therefore seems to be reasonable to assert that various actions of the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I have had an inspiring impact on the emergence of the ecological encyclical of the Roman Catholic Church.