Story perspectives

Patriarch Bartholomew’s First Parliament Speech Calls for Rights, Ecology

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I addressed the plenary of the Hellenic Parliament, delivering his first speech to the chamber in 27 years.
President Konstantinos Tasoulas and Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis welcomed him, presented the Gold Medal and marked his 35th anniversary as Patriarch.
Bartholomew warned that Realpolitik overrides international law, urged commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and called for an ecological economy to stop environmental decline.

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Story summary

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I addressed the plenary of the Hellenic Parliament, delivering his first speech to the chamber in 27 years.
President Konstantinos Tasoulas and Speaker Nikitas Kaklamanis welcomed him, presented the Gold Medal and marked his 35th anniversary as Patriarch.
Bartholomew warned that Realpolitik overrides international law, urged commitment to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and called for an ecological economy to stop environmental decline.