 Bartholomew I is the head of the Orthodox church. The Orthodox church is one of the original ancient Christian denominations. Bartholomew I's official title is Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, 270th successor of St. Andrew, the Apostle. His All Holiness is spokesperson for over 250 million Orthodox Christians world-wide.
Since becoming Ecumenical Patriarch in November 1991, his All Holiness has worked tirelessly to promote understanding between all Christians, Moslems and Jews. In 1997, The US Congress awarded him a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of his efforts.
As Ecumenical Patriarch, his All Holiness Bartholomew has another well-known passion: preservation of the environment. For his love of the earth and promotion of green living, the press has nicknamed Bartholomew, "The Green Patriarch." The United Nations has called him, "Laureate Champion of the Earth."
Bartholomew I condemns "environmental abuse as a sin" and wants "to deliver the planet from the abuse and destructive acts of human beings". Since 1992, he has annually published an encyclical on the environment designating every September 1st as a day of prayer in all Orthodox churches for the protection of the earth. His All Holiness strongly believes that, "there is an immediate correlation between the protection of the environment and every expression of economic and social life." He goes on to say, "Everything that lives and breathes is sacred and beautiful in the eyes of God. The whole world is a sacrament. The entire created Cosmos is a burning bush of God's uncreated. And humankind stands as a priest before the altar of creation as microcosm and mediator. Such is the true nature of things."
He has worked with many world leaders on environmental protection issues, among them are HRH Prince Philip, former Vice President Al Gore, and President Barak Obama. Of his own position, Bartholomew I has said, "We have no political power of persuasion, we can only lead by example."
To set an example, he attends and addresses numerous world-wide enviromental conferences. His All Holiness most recently presided over the Religion, Science, and the Environment Symposium titled Restoring Balance: The Great Mississippi River which was held in New Orleans, Louisiana, from October 18-25, 2009. For his leadership in the Christian community and work for the environment, Time Magazine has listed Bartholomew I, The Green Patriarch as #11 on its list of The World's Most Influential People for April, 2008.
Websites for more information: www.patriachate.org/patriarch/the-green-patriarch
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