Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: Thirty-five years of Patriarchy, giving and sacrificial lovetranslated

On the occasion of the completion of 35 years of the blessed Patriarchate of His Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch, Mr. Bartholomew, the Holy Diocese of Austria, issued a statement wishing His Holiness. The announcement in detail:

For thirty-five years, A.Th.P. the Ecumenical Patriarch raises with faith and patience the Cross of the Great Church of Christ. It strives for unity, cultivates peace, embraces man with paternal affection and reminds the world of the sanctity of creation. Behind his every effort is the heart of the shepherd who has learned to turn agony into prayer and responsibility into love. As humans, we recognize his efforts, but only God knows the burdens he carries daily. His silent prayer in every circumstance surpasses in power any kind words and yields rich donations, blessed fruits of warm faith in the All-Good God.

In his person, our Generation recognizes the living continuity of its history, the memory of its fathers and the hope of its future. From the humble seat of the Lantern, the Patriarch loudly addresses the entire Ecumenical. He takes up responsibilities that exceed his personal measure, in order to proclaim the...