Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew visits the Hellenic Parliament

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I addressed the Hellenic Parliament during a special plenary session to mark his 35-year patriarchal anniversary and 65 years of priesthood. Parliament President Nikitas Kaklamanis awarded the Patriarch the institution's Gold Medal, an act followed by a standing ovation from the deputies. The event was attended by President of the Hellenic Republic Konstantinos Tasoulas, government ministers, religious leaders, diplomats, and representatives of the Holy See. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis was absent due to an official visit to Dubai. In his address, the Patriarch criticized the global prevalence of Realpolitik over international law and emphasized that the Church’s message of peace remains vital. He argued that geopolitical and geoeconomic considerations currently dominate public discourse, overshadowing ethical principles. The session served as both a formal state recognition of his religious mission and a platform for his discourse on modern global challenges.