WCC congratulates Ecumenical Patriarch on 35 Years of Patriarchal Ministry

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has extended its congratulations to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on the 35th anniversary of his enthronement, praising his contribution to Christian unity, environmental protection and interreligious dialogue.

In its congratulatory message, the WCC expressed gratitude for the Ecumenical Patriarch’s leadership since his enthronement on November 2, 1991, and highlighted his commitment to strengthening relations among Orthodox Churches and the wider Christian community.

“For thirty-five years, Your All-Holiness has guided the First Throne Church of Constantinople with wisdom, courage and pastoral love, often in difficult circumstances,” the message stated.

Ecumenical Patriarchate’s Historic Role in Christian Unity The WCC emphasized the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s longstanding contribution to the ecumenical movement, recalling its historic 1920 encyclical, Unto the Churches of Christ Everywhere , which helped lay the foundations for the establishment of the World Council of Churches.

The organization also highlighted Patriarch Bartholomew’s personal involvement in ecumenical initiatives, including his studies at the Ecumenical Institute…