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The Ecumenical Patriarch for the protection of nature – Tribute for 35 years of Patriarchal ministrytranslated

September 5, 2026 · 1 min read

On the occasion of the upcoming completion of 35 years since his election to the Ecumenical Patriarchal Throne, but also on September 1, which the Ecumenical Patriarchate has established since 1989 as a day of prayer for the protection of the natural environment, His Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Mr. Bartholomew talks about the timeless ecological initiative of the Patriarchate and man's relationship with God's creation. In his interview with Nikos Papachristou, His Holiness refers to his personal origins, which, as he explains, shaped his love for nature early on and formed the basis for the later intense ecological action of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

"The environment of my village, the environment of Imvrou, inspired me with love for God's creation, for nature, for the beauties of the natural environment," he notes characteristically. And he adds: "A beautiful wild flower can teach us a lot about God's wisdom, about His love for us humans, about His omnipotence and so on."

As he underlines, God's presence is perceived through creation itself: "Wherever one turns...

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Андрей Тарасов

It is interesting that Patriarch Bartholomew remembers Imvros and wildflowers. Here in Kazan, too, after the rain, such daisies and cornflowers come out in the vacant lot that you can’t help but wonder what kind of precise work the Creator does. And September 1, as a day of prayer for nature, is a good tradition; someone might pick it up here too.

Світлана Литвин

It is interesting that Patriarch Bartholomew mentions Imvros and those wild flowers. Here near Kharkiv, after the rain, such cornflowers and daisies come out in the wasteland that you can't help but wonder what the Creator's exact work is. And September 1 as a day of prayer for nature is a good tradition.

Елена Васильева

Here in Rostov, after the rain, in the vacant lot near the school, the same cornflowers and daisies come out, so you involuntarily remember the words of the Patriarch about wildflowers and the wisdom of the Creator. It is interesting that it was his childhood impressions of Imvros that influenced him so much. The tradition of September 1 as a day of prayer for nature is truly useful.