Ο Πατριάρχης αναχώρησε το πρωί της Τρίτης, 14η Μαΐου 2024, για τη Λισαβώνα, προκειμένου να συμμετάσχει στις εργασίες του Παγκοσμίου Φόρουμ Διαλόγου του KAICIID, όπου είναι κεντρικός ομιλητής.
Τον Παναγιώτατο θα συνοδεύσουν ο Σεβ. Μητροπολίτης Γέρων Χαλκηδόνος κ. Εμμανουήλ, ο Πανοσιολ. Μ. Εκκλησιάρχης κ. Αέτιος, Διευθυντής του Ιδιαιτέρου Πατριαρχικού Γραφείου, και ο Ιερολ. Πατριαρχικός Διάκονος κ. Επιφάνιος Kamianovych, ενώ στη Λισαβώνα θα ενταχθεί στην Πατριαρχική Συνοδεία και ο επιχώριος Σεβ. Μητροπολίτης Ισπανίας και Πορτογαλίας κ. Βησσαρίων.
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Ο Πατριάρχης στην Λισαβώνα (ημέρα 1η)
Η Α.Θ.Π. ο Οικουμενικός Πατριάρχης μετά της τιμίας αυτού συνοδείας, αφίχθη το πρωί της Τρίτης, 14ης Μαίου 2024, στο αεροδρόμιο της Λισαβώνας, προσκεκλημένος του Διεθνούς Κέντρου Διαθρησκειακού και Διαπολιτισμικού Διαλόγου KAICIID, προκειμένου να μετάσχει στην 1η Παγκόσμια Διάσκεψη Διαλόγου αυτού (14-16/05) ως κύριος ομιλητής, στη νέα έδρα του οργανισμού στη Λισαβώνα.
Τον Παναγιώτατο υπεδέχθη στο αεροδρόμιο ο οικείος ποιμενάρχης, Σεβ. Μητροπολίτης Ισπανίας και Πορτογαλίας κ. Βησσαρίων, με συνεργάτες της Μητροπόλεως, οι οποίοι θα συνεπικουρούν τον Πατριάρχη κατά την εκεί παραμονή του, ο Εξοχώτατος Πρέσβυς της Ελλάδος στην Πορτογαλία κ. Βασίλειος Παπαδόπουλος και η Υπεύθυνη Πρωτοκόλλου του KAICIID.
Στο κατάλυμα, τον Παναγιώτατο υπεδέχθη ο Εξοχώτατος Πρέσβυς της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας στην Πορτογαλία κ. Ελπιδοφόρος Οικονόμου.
Κατόπιν, η Α.Θ.Παναγιότης ο Πατριάρχης, με την τιμία συνοδεία Του, μετέβη στο Σεμινάριο Maior de Cristo Rei dos Olivais, όπoυ και υπαντήθη υπό του Ρωμαιοκαθολικού Πατριάρχου Λισαβώνας Σεβασμιωτάτου Αρχιεπισκόπου Ruis I και του Βοηθού Επισκόπου του.
Ακολούθησε ιδιαιτέρα συνάντηση των δύο συνοδειών και έπειτα μετέβησαν όλοι στο αμφιθέατρο του Σεμιναρίου, όπου ο Πατριάρχης Λισαβώνας προσεφώνησε καταλλήλως τη σεπτή Κορυφή της Ορθοδοξίας ενώπιον του Ιερατικού Συμβουλίου (Consiglio Presbytrao) και σπουδαστών του εν λόγω Σεμιναρίου. Ο Παναγιώτατος αντιφώνησε και ομίλησε διδακτικά και εγκάρδια καταχειροκροτούμενος από το ακροατήριο.
Μετά το πέρας της συνάξεως, η Α.Θ.Παναγιότης ο Πατριάρχης ξεναγήθηκε στους χώρους του Σεμιναρίου, ενώ ακολούθησε γεύμα προς τιμήν Του, μετεχούσης της Πατριαρχικής συνοδείας, του Ιερατικού Συμβουλίου και υποψηφίων κληρικών, σπουδαστών του Σεμιναρίου.
Το εσπέρας της ιδίας ημέρας, ο Πρέσβυς της Ελλάδος παρέθεσε δείπνο στον Παναγιώτατο και τη συνοδεία Του, στο οποίο παρεκάθησε και ο Πρέσβυς της Κυπριακής Δημοκρατίας.
Φωτό: Ελευθέριος Δακαλάκης / Ι. Μητρόπολη Ισπανίας και Πορτογαλίας
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KEYNOTE ADDRESS by His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum (Lisbon, Portugal, May 15, 2024)
“Sacred Ecology: An Interfaith Perspective”
Distinguished religious leaders and organizational representatives,
Dear advocates, advisors, and allies in our collaborative vision,
Beloved friends, brothers and sisters,
It is a unique privilege and joy to join all of you at the generous invitation of the KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum. We are personally familiar with the special commitment and platform of KAICIID, particularly through the extended participation and intimate connection of our most senior Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon, whose prominent role in this interfaith program represents the dedication of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to bilateral dialogue and multilateral conversation on an international level and inter-religious context.
While this is hardly our first involvement in the invaluable and influential agenda of KAICIID, this specific event appealed personally and profoundly to our own concerns and ministry throughout our tenure. Over the last three decades and more, we have sought to raise awareness about human rights and preserve human dignity. We have, moreover, emphasized the need to establish collaborative pathways and underlined the need for peacemaking. And, perhaps above all, we have placed ecological sustainability and creation care at the very center of our attention and protection. It is especially this last dimension to our ministry and commitment that we would like to focus on today. And we are highlighting the environment for three reasons:
First, we are concerned about the environment, because we are convinced that the climate crisis is not a marginal or peripheral challenge in our world. It has sincere and profound spiritual roots, stemming from the way we perceive the gift of creation as a divine gift and a divine responsibility. For us, care for God’s creation is not only a political or technological issue. It is primarily a sacred and spiritual vocation and obligation. Indeed, preserving the natural environment and our planet’s resources is not a matter of public relations or fashionable statement. After all, our efforts to mobilize church congregations and faith communities about sustainability began long before ecology was considered popular or appealing. We were convinced from the outset—as early as the mid-1980s!—that sustainability constitutes part and parcel of our doctrinal belief and proper behavior. Respecting material creation and learning to live with less, as well as offer glory and thanksgiving to the Creator God, are all central and vital to our belief system and moral code.
This is why the historic Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church, which was held in Crete in June 2016 issued an Encyclical Letter to our faithful, underscoring (in paragraph 14) that “the roots of the ecological crisis are spiritual and ethical,” while “the rupture in the relationship between man and creation is a perversion of the authentic use of God’s creation.” Moreover, the response to the ecological crisis, at least “on the basis of the principles of the Christian tradition,” requires a radical change in behavior against creation and “asceticism as an antidote to consumerism, the deification of needs and the acquisitive attitude,” and presupposes “our greatest responsibility to hand down a viable natural environment to future generations.” The same Encyclical concluded that the ecological problem “turns our attention to the social dimensions and the tragic consequences of the destruction of the natural environment.”
This leads us to the second reason why we believe that the environment is a concern for all religious leaders. This is why, on September 1st, 2021, we issued and signed a joint statement with Pope Francis and Archbishop Justin Welby of Canterbury, observing that all religious leaders have a duty to hold nations and corporations, but also communities and individuals accountable for the way we are treating our planet today. We are abusing and exploiting the earth and its resources, because we do not regard this planet as sacred. And so, instead, we unfortunately perceive and treat the earth as a desacralized object.
There can be no reason or excuse for our indifference or inaction. Today, all of us are well aware of the intimate and inseparable connections of the ecological crisis to the global problems of poverty, migration, and conflict. How can we, as religious leaders, not pursue the welfare of the world’s inhabitants? How can we not bring to light the exploitation created by industries and corporations, often with the permission or tolerance of politicians and states? This is surely a fundamental and critical part of our service as representatives of religion.
Thirdly, and finally, over the course of the recent pandemic, we learned how vulnerable we are as human beings and how fragile our environment is, if we do not work together. Our social systems frayed, and we found that we cannot control everything. We must acknowledge that the ways we use money and organize our societies have not benefited everyone. We find ourselves weak and anxious, submersed in a series of crises—for instance, in health, food, economy, and society—all of which are deeply and inseparably interconnected. These crises present us with a clear choice. We are in a unique position either to address them with shortsightedness and profiteering (which is the way of a world alienated from God) or seize this as an opportunity for conversion and transformation (which is the way of faith).
If only we could think of humanity as a family and work together towards a future based on the common good, we will find ourselves living in a very different world. Together—all of us in collaboration—we can share a vision for life where everyone flourishes and no person is ignored. Together, we can act with love, justice, and mercy in order to walk towards a fairer and more fulfilling society with those who are most vulnerable at the center of our universe.
However, dear friends, this inevitably involves making changes—sometimes radical and even difficult changes. But that is the authentic way of transformation. That is the authentic way of transformative dialogue and peacebuilding. And that is the only way toward collaboration and inclusion. As ministers of religion, we must raise awareness about the ways we use our resources. As religious communities, we must discover new ways of working together in order to break down the barriers between faiths, cultures, and peoples. May God truly guide our steps in this direction.
May God bless you all! Thank you for your kind attention!
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Fostering Global Harmony:
The Mafra Dialogues and the Upcoming KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum
Mafra, Portugal — The historic town of Mafra recently hosted the fourth edition of the Mafra Dialogues, a collaborative initiative led by the International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID, IPDAL (Instituto para a Promoção da América Latina e Caraíbas) and local partners. This gathering, which focused on "Strategic Dialogues and Peace Diplomacy," set the stage for the forthcoming KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum, emphasizing KAICIID's instrumental role in promoting peace through Transformative Dialogue.
In a time when communication is nearly instantaneous, we often overlook the critical role of dialogue in shaping relationships and fostering cooperation between people and nations. The importance of prioritizing diplomacy centered on peace and dialogue becomes even more pronounced as conflicts escalate globally.
According to the United Nations, the world is currently experiencing the highest number of violent conflicts since World War II. In 2023, one-quarter of humanity, or 2 billion people, reside in conflict-affected areas. This year's Mafra Dialogues marks the second participation of KAICIID, emphasizing the strides made since the previous edition and the ongoing challenges, highlighting the urgent need for continued efforts in this area.
During the Mafra Dialogues, a roster of esteemed speakers contributed their insights into complex global conflicts and the power of dialogue in conflict resolution. Amongst notable speakers included:
- Ambassador António de Almeida de Ribeiro, Deputy Secretary General of the International Dialogue Centre - KAICIID, delivered pivotal opening remarks on behalf of the Center’s Secretary General, and highlighted the urgency and necessity of dialogue in contemporary conflict resolution.
- Mr. Hugo Moreira Luís, representing the Municipality of Mafra, who has been instrumental played a key role in creating the conditions necessary for these international discussions.
- Mr. Paulo Neves, President of IPDAL, provided an overview of the event and emphasized the importance of exploring dialogical solutions to global conflicts.
- Apostolic Nuncio, Mons. Ivo Scapolo, on behalf of Pietro Parolin. The nuncio, on behalf of the Holy See’s Cardinal Secretary of State, reiterated the importance of such meetings in promoting dialogue and peace globally.
- Mrs. Ana Isabel Xavier, National Defense Secretary of State, Republic of Portugal discussed the critical need for policies to be grounded in multilateral dialogue and emphasized the importance of cooperation and bridge-building in Portuguese defense policy.
- Experts, religious leaders and policymakers from various sectors discussed pressing global issues, including the impacts of geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Building on the momentum from the Mafra Dialogues, the International Dialogue Centre – KAICIID is convening the KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum themed “Transformative Dialogue: Building Alliances for Peace in a Rapidly Changing World” on 14-16 May 2024 in Lisbon, building on its twelve years of creating dialogue platforms to address some of the most pressing global challenges. At the core of this Global Forum is the commitment to use transformative dialogue as a powerful mechanism to harness human dignity and foster global solidarity, particularly in the area of peace building, inclusive cities and climate change. This Global Forum is an exclusive gathering of select influential leaders from decision-making institutions, both secular and religious, to dialogue and strategize together to develop inclusive partnerships that emphasize the holistic and interconnected nature of some of the major challenges we face today.
Among prominent figures slated to speak at the Lisbon forum include:
- H.E. Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of the Republic of Portugal, contributing via a recorded message.
- H.A.H. Bartholomew I of Constantinople, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, offering a spiritual and humanitarian perspective.
- H.Em. Salih bin Abdullah al-Humaid, Imam of the Grand Mosque of Mecca, discussing the role of religious leadership in peace processes.
- H.E. Mateo Renzi, former Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy, providing insights from his experience in European and international diplomacy.
- Dr. Heinz Fischer, former President of the Republic of Austria, among other global leaders contributing recorded messages.
- H.E. Graça Machel, Co-Founder and Deputy Chair of The Elders, known for her profound contributions to human rights and development.
- Dr. André Azoulay, Senior Advisor to H.M. Mohammed VI of Morocco, bringing a unique perspective on intercultural dialogue.
- Chief Rabbi Michael Schudrich, Chief Rabbi of Poland and MJLC Board Member, offering insights on community resilience and interfaith relations.
- H.E. Carlos Moedas, Mayor of the City of Lisbon, adding a local governance perspective to the dialogue on peacebuilding.
The upcoming forum in Lisbon is not only a continuation of the various global dialogue initiatives led by KAICIID but also a platform to expand the reach and impact of these discussions. It aims to generate a set of actionable proposals that will advocate for and strengthen the role of multilateralism and diplomatic interventions in conflict prevention and resolution.
Both the Mafra Dialogues and the KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum exemplify KAICIID's commitment to facilitating Transformative Dialogue as a cornerstone of sustainable peace and coexistence. As the world grapples with unprecedented conflicts and challenges, these forums serve as vital platforms for fostering understanding and cooperation across diverse cultural, religious, and political landscapes.
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KAICIID to Host Landmark Global Dialogue Forum in Lisbon
The International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) is poised to host a landmark Global Dialogue Forum in the city of Lisbon, Portugal, on May 15-16, 2024. This event, held under the motto “Transformative Dialogue: Building Alliances for Peace in a Rapidly Changing World,” marks a new chapter in KAICIID's over-a-decade-long history of promoting interreligious and intercultural dialogue as a catalyst for global change and peacebuilding.
Taking place in Lisbon’s modern and vibrant landscape, the KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum aims to harness the transformative potential of dialogue, exploring its effectiveness in advancing human rights, enhancing social cohesion, promoting reconciliation, and facilitating environmental cooperation. It also strengthens the Centre’s key mission to address and mitigate the world's most pressing challenges through inclusive, dialogical tools and approaches.
The Imperative for Transformative Dialogue in a Polarised World
In today's rapidly evolving and oftentimes divided world, the call for meaningful dialogue with deep transformative potential has grown to be more urgent than ever. Rising conflicts, growing societal divides, and dwindling trust in once-revered institutions highlight the critical need for global platforms that convene top decision-makers, civil society, and policymakers, enabling open and productive exchanges across diverse viewpoints.
The KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum seeks to address these pressing global challenges by leveraging the unique knowledge and influence of a diverse array of religious and spiritual wisdom traditions. When brought together, these traditions can offer profound insights and holistic solutions for the myriad issues confronting our societies, helping build alliances for sustainable, long-term peace.
Embracing Transformative Dialogue
The KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum represents a concerted effort to harness the potential of dialogue as a transformative force capable of bridging divides and building consensus among groups with diverse backgrounds. The event is designed to be a melting pot of ideas, where influential leaders from various sectors, both from the secular and the religious communities, converge to explore Transformative Dialogue's role as a powerful instrument for change.
By bringing the global decision-makers, faith actors, and sector leaders together, KAICIID is poised to foster a safe space and a collaborative platform for generating innovative solutions to pressing global issues, leveraging the collective wisdom and experience of its participants.
Key Themes and Discussions
The KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum’s discussions will pivot around several critical themes, notably the role of Transformative Dialogue in building trust, fostering inclusive urban environments, and embracing the concept of sacred ecology in environmental conservation. These thematic priorities are strategically aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), showcasing KAICIID’s dedication to supporting the Agenda 2030 objectives through dialogue-driven initiatives.
In particular, the Forum will delve into the mechanisms through which Transformative Dialogue can strengthen societal bonds in times of conflict and crisis, examining the capacity of interfaith and intercultural exchanges to support the peace process and facilitate reconciliation in post-conflict settings.
Another key theme celebrated by the Forum is the concept of Human Dignity, lies at the heart of KAICIID's mission and mandate "to address the contemporary challenges to society, such as the dignity of human life." Referring to the essential value of every person regardless of their background, status, citizenship or belief, Human Dignity is at the core of human rights, including the right to practice, express and live one’s religious and spiritual beliefs, as well as connection to the natural world. The recognition of Human Dignity serves as the foundation of mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation, which serve as catalysts for Transformative Dialogue.
A Global Commitment to Transformative Dialogue
As KAICIID prepares to convene this landmark Forum in May, anticipation grows for what promises to be a transformative event in the field of international interreligious and intercultural dialogue. By bringing together a diverse group of top global leaders and strategists, the KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum aims to set a pioneering platform for how Transformative Dialogue can be employed to forge a more just, peaceful, and sustainable world. Through focused discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and the exchange of innovative ideas, the KAICIID Global Dialogue Forum promises to catalyse meaningful action and enduring change across the globe.
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