Fourth Bioethics Conference dedicated to the Ecumenical Patriarch’s 35th Anniversary

The proceedings of the Fourth Bioethics Conference of the Ecumenical Patriarchate continue today, 3 October 2026.  During the first session of the day, following a proposal by the President of the Conference, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, which was received with great enthusiasm by all the delegates, it was unanimously decided that the present Conference be dedicated to the venerable person of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who in a few days will complete 35 full years at the helm of the Great Church (22 October 1991).

This dedication, marking this historic milestone in the distinguished Patriarchate of His All-Holiness our Patriarch, constitutes a modest token of gratitude, not only for his unwavering support of and confidence in the Bioethics Conference, but above all for all that Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew continues to offer to the Church and to humanity as a whole. His inspired initiatives promoting dialogue between theology and science, his groundbreaking decisions at the inter-Orthodox level, his pioneering voice for the protection of the environment, his pastoral concern for the contemporary pastoral and bioethical challenges facing humanity, and so much more, represent but a few aspects of the multifaceted ministry of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew—a ministry from which we humbly continue to learn and for which we remain profoundly grateful.

From the historic city of Rethymno, a city of letters and learning, the President of the Conference, together with the speakers and all the delegates, extend their heartfelt wishes to the Patriarch of the Nation for many years, blessed, healthy and joyful.