Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was honored in Southampton with the Medal of the Council of the University of Brooke, the US Foundation’s highest distinction, at a ceremony that highlighted his many years of environmental work.

The award was accompanied by a tour of the Sinnekk Gulf, where the Patriarch was informed by researchers on the successful restoration of the local ecosystem. The visit underlined the role of Bartholomew, internationally known as Patriarchin the global effort to tackle climate change, as well as the contribution of the University Brooke’s research to the research of marine sciences.

Receiving the medal, the Patriarch appealed to constant action in favor of the environment, stressing that ‘Every drop of water is a valuable gift of God’. For her part, the Rector of Brooke’s Rector Andrea Goldsmith characterized the Bartholomew’s leadership voice that highlighted not only the scientific but also the moral dimension of the climate crisis. The event, with the title “Oceans of Hope: The Green Patriarch recognizes the mission of the Brooke’s marine sciences in Southampton”gathered academics, clergy and members of the local community.

Earlier, the Patriarch boarded the Pekonik-Southampton research vessel and toured the Sinekkok Gulf, accompanied by Archbishop of America Elpidoforos and other clergymen. Professors Chris Gobbler and Helen Pikic presented the results of their ten -year research on the ecology of the area.

Bartholomew’s timeless contribution to environmental protection

The visit is part of the long series of environmental initiatives of the Ecumenical Patriarch, which has organized international symposiums for the environment and rivers around the world since the 1990s. An important station on this route was in 2017, when he signed with Pope Francis, a joint declaration, warning the consequences of the ecological imbalance and calling for immediate action for the benefit of future generations.