Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I: From Faith to Peace —
A Spiritual Leader Building Bridges for Humanity
The completion and inauguration of the National Cathedral in Bucharest mark not only a monumental architectural achievement but also a significant spiritual moment for the global Christian community. With His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I presiding over the consecration ceremony, the event became a powerful symbol of unity, peace, and interfaith dialogue.
The National Cathedral in Bucharest, the world’s second-largest Orthodox church and the fourth-largest Christian church, began construction in 2010 and took more than a decade to complete. On 26 October 2025, it was officially opened to the public in a ceremony presided over by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I. Distinguished guests included the President and Prime Minister of Romania, the President of Moldova, Her Royal Highness Margareta and Prince Radu, as well as Dr. Akkan Suver, President of the Marmara Group Foundation, and Secretary-General Sezgin Bilgiç, who were invited by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Fanari. Approximately 5,000 people gathered inside the cathedral, with another 7,000 standing outside to witness the historic inauguration.
As the spiritual leader of more than 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I played a pivotal role in the ceremony—consecrating the cathedral and calling for faith to illuminate the path of reconciliation in a turbulent world. His message transcended the religious celebration, underscoring the enduring importance of human dignity, compassion, and lasting peace.
This commitment to peace also echoes his participation in the 2024 Eurasian Economic Summit, where he joined the Bell-Ringing Ceremony for World Love and Peace presided over by Dr. Hong Tao-Tze, President of the Federation of World Peace and Love (FOWPAL). At the event, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I personally rang the Bell of World Love and Peace and offered a heartfelt prayer:
“We pray and work for peace always and everywhere in the world.”
This symbolic moment encapsulated Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I’s lifelong commitment to advancing peace and sustainability, resonating deeply with FOWPAL’s mission of promoting global harmony through love and conscience.
In recognition of his enduring efforts to foster interfaith understanding, safeguard the environment, and strengthen global harmony, Patriarch Bartholomew I received the Templeton Prize—one of the most prestigious honors in the fields of religion and ethics. The award commends his vision of integrating faith with ecological awareness and moral responsibility, a philosophy that closely aligns with Dr. Hong’s advocacy for conscience, peace, and sustainable coexistence.
Together, the shared convictions of these two leaders form a powerful bridge between faith and humanitarian action, reminding the world that peace is not merely a prayer but a collective responsibility of all humankind.