Ecumenical Patriarch in Oxford: Human rights and the Orthodox Church in focus

On Thursday, September 17, 2026, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew delivered two major addresses in Oxford, presenting the perspective of the Ecumenical Patriarchate on the theme “Human Rights and the Orthodox Church.”

At the invitation of the Centre for Law and Religion at the University of Oxford, the Ecumenical Patriarch addressed an audience of distinguished university professors, legal experts, clergy and researchers involved in the Centre’s discussions, with a particular focus on human rights and religious freedom.

Among those present was Nikolaos Maghioros, Vice-Rector of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Professor at its Faculty of Theology.

His All-Holiness was welcomed by Professor Peter Petkoff, Dean of the Faculty of Law and Director of the Centre.

Later that afternoon, during a formal ceremony at the University Church of St Mary the Virgin, the Ecumenical Patriarch delivered a lecture before University authorities, a representative of the King and a large audience.

Immediately afterwards, His All-Holiness celebrated the Lesser Blessing of the Waters on the occasion of the beginning of the new academic year.

Sir Malcolm Evans, Principal of Regent’s…