The Ecumenical Patriarch is the Archbishop of Constantinople–New Rome and holds the first place of honour among the bishops of the Orthodox Church. Known as primus inter pares — first among equals — his See traces its apostolic origins, according to Holy Tradition, to St Andrew the First-Called, the brother of St Peter, who preached the Gospel in the region of ancient Byzantium.
The title “Ecumenical Patriarch” came into established use during the sixth century. His ministry has a particular responsibility for serving the unity of the Orthodox Church throughout the world. While each Orthodox Church governs its own ecclesiastical life, the Ecumenical Patriarch exercises a primacy of honour and service, encouraging communion and cooperation among the Churches.
As St Cyprian of Carthage teaches,
“The unity of the Church is like the light of the sun, which reaches the whole world through countless rays, yet remains one light”
(On the Unity of the Church, 5).
The Orthodox Churches, spread throughout the world, share the same apostolic faith and the same life in Christ. In this spirit of unity, the Ecumenical Patriarch presides in love, bringing the Churches together in a common witness to Christ, encouraging dialogue and cooperation, and helping them remain faithful to their apostolic calling in an ever-changing world.
Today, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, elected in 1991, continues this ministry. Known as the “Green Patriarch” for his commitment to the care of God’s creation, he has also devoted particular attention to peace, reconciliation, theological dialogue, and the witness of Orthodoxy in the modern world.
For the faithful of New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, the Ecumenical Patriarch holds a special place as our spiritual father and the Primate of the Church to which our Holy Metropolis belongs. Through this living communion, we remain united in the apostolic faith and share in the wider mission of the Orthodox Church throughout the world.