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Documentary on Patr. Bartholomew Premieres at Phanar
The new film marks the 35th anniversary of his election and his tenure as Patriarch of Constantinople.
ISTANBUL — A documentary on Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew premiered at the Phanar on Oct. 22 as part of celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of his enthronement as Ecumenical Patriarch.
The film was presented by the Huffington Ecumenical Institute (HEI) at Hellenic College Holy Cross. It was produced by HEI Executive Director Rev. Fr. John Chryssavgis in collaboration with Capri Productions in Thessaloniki. With the blessing of Abp. Elpidophoros of America, the project was sponsored by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Archon Athanasios Martinos. Additional screenings are planned in Athens, Crete, and Thessaloniki.
The documentary accompanies HEI's new book, Bartholomew: Thirty-Five Years of Patriarchal Tenure, an Anniversary Without Precedent, published by Akritas Books in Athens. Both works examine the vision outlined in the Ecumenical Patriarch's enthronement address on Nov. 2, 1991, and its development over the following decades.
The film traces Patr. Bartholomew's life from his childhood on the island of Imbros, where he grew up without electricity or running water, through his theological studies at Halki and further education in Rome, Geneva, and Munich. Archival footage documents his enthronement at the Patriarchal Church of St. George.
The documentary examines periods of his tenure, including relations with the Roman Catholic Church, environmental protection, inter-Orthodox cooperation, and the Holy and Great Council of Crete in 2016. It also addresses the granting of autocephaly to the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), interreligious dialogue, and the Patriarch's engagement with young people.
The film concludes with the phrase “Glory to God for all things,” which Patr. Bartholomew identifies as an expression of gratitude for the blessings he has received throughout his life and ministry.
“In all sincerity, there are so many things for which I must thank Him,” the Patriarch says in the documentary, describing his understanding of service as being an instrument in God's will.
Previously, the UOJ reported that a Greek TV Series on St. Joseph the Hesychast will air this upcoming winter.
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