Ecumenical Patriarch Urges Youth to Escape 'Digital Golden Cages'

Photo: Ecumenical Patriarchate

CONSTANTINOPLE — Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew used his New Year’s address at the Marasleio School in Constantinople on January 11, 2026 to urge Orthodox youth to avoid becoming trapped in what he called “digital golden cages.” Speaking before a gathering that included representatives of Greek Orthodox communities, schools, and Philoptochos Brotherhoods, the Patriarch emphasized that genuine life and relationships cannot be reduced to online interactions measured in “likes,” and called for young people to cultivate authentic presence within real communities.

His All-Holiness reaffirmed the enduring value of Greek Orthodox heritage and traditions while encouraging the faithful to apply centuries of spiritual wisdom to confront the challenges of the digital age. He warned that excessive technology use fosters isolation and individualism, distancing people from meaningful human connection.

The Patriarch also invoked Christ’s promise of divine presence and offered blessings for a year marked by peace, faith, and genuine community engagement.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the official Ukrainian calendar replaced the January 7th Nativity with Programmer's Day. 

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