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Bartholomew: Apostle and Visionary
Surrounded on all sides by Islam, the beloved Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew continues to impact the world for Christ from his seat in Constantinople, a city central to Christian history.
The Orthodox Church, that great beacon of the East, now boasts 300 million members worldwide. In one of the most remarkable tenures of the patriarchate it has been more than twenty-five years since Bartholomew first accepted this ministerial position, which is considered “first among equals” of all Orthodox leaders around the world. He is viewed by many to be a strong, humble leader who is well-loved across a wide variety of political and religious boundaries.
With unfettered access to church files, Bartholomew’s personal notes, and the patriarch himself, author John Chryssavgis has woven together a picture of a man who has longed to serve God, the Church, and the world his entire life. Through personal and institutional challenges, Bartholomew continues to strive toward unity within the Orthodox community and build bridges to others. It is a task that can be as daunting as it is important. This book removes the veil that some may have placed upon this joyful man of God who is anything but mysterious, as evidenced by the heartfelt contributions to the book from world dignitaries, influencers, and religious
Pope FrancisPope Benedict XVIRowan WilliamsRabbi David RosenGeorge StephanopoulosJane GoodallJoe Biden, Jr.Al Gore, Jr.Discover for yourself the man who embodies the meaning of the word ecumenical—while not altering one thing in what he believes—and experience his passion for God, the Church, and the world.
The Orthodox Church, that great beacon of the East, now boasts 300 million members worldwide. In one of the most remarkable tenures of the patriarchate it has been more than twenty-five years since Bartholomew first accepted this ministerial position, which is considered “first among equals” of all Orthodox leaders around the world. He is viewed by many to be a strong, humble leader who is well-loved across a wide variety of political and religious boundaries.
With unfettered access to church files, Bartholomew’s personal notes, and the patriarch himself, author John Chryssavgis has woven together a picture of a man who has longed to serve God, the Church, and the world his entire life. Through personal and institutional challenges, Bartholomew continues to strive toward unity within the Orthodox community and build bridges to others. It is a task that can be as daunting as it is important. This book removes the veil that some may have placed upon this joyful man of God who is anything but mysterious, as evidenced by the heartfelt contributions to the book from world dignitaries, influencers, and religious
Pope FrancisPope Benedict XVIRowan WilliamsRabbi David RosenGeorge StephanopoulosJane GoodallJoe Biden, Jr.Al Gore, Jr.Discover for yourself the man who embodies the meaning of the word ecumenical—while not altering one thing in what he believes—and experience his passion for God, the Church, and the world.
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 11, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
July 30, 2019
I think that the proper term to describe this book is as more a biographical tribute than a biography --- one has to get about 80 pages into it before one comes to the details of the Ecumenical Patriarch (EP)'s life. Published in 2016, the 25th Anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's accession to the patriarchal throne, it's generally written in laudatory language interspersed with some chapters that are commendations on his legacy by famous personages such as Pope Francis and George Stephanopoulos.
Much of this book contains much on the EP's efforts to bridge differences between the Orthodox Church and other branches of Christianity and, perhaps, even more on his efforts to convene synods and Orthodox church councils. To those unfamiliar with the Orthodox faith, it's probably difficult to appreciate the difficulty in accomplishing these. So I think it's helpful to understand a few things about the position of EP. Most think of him as the East's equivalent to the Pope which he is not. He is not an autocrat, but is more a spiritual and moral authority in the Orthodox world --- as well as occasionally playing the role of referee and an honest broker in those situations where disputes or conflicts between Orthodox jurisdictions arise. As a new Orthodox believer, it seems to me that the EP is something more in terms of religious leader power and authority than the Dalai Lama, something less than the Pope. He is not considered infallible, for example. Some portions of the Orthodox Church ---- like the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, for example --- report directly to him. However, the Orthodox faith, writ large, is subdivided into 14 separate jurisdictions, such as the Russian Orthodox Church and the Church of Greece, each under the leadership of a patriarch. Of these, the EP is "primus inter pares" --- first among equals. He leads by moral authority, not temporal authority, those other 13 patriarchies and he cannot compel these fellow patriarchs to do anything --- unlike Roman Catholicism's Pope who can with respect to its cardinals, archbishops, abbots, etc.
So, just getting 14 patriarchs --- each with their own demands upon them and schedules and issues in their own ministry --- to meet on anything at the same time is no small accomplishment. For those familiar with "Lord of the Rings", like the way the Ents in "The Two Towers" make decisions very slowly and deliberately, and never in haste, via an Entmoot, so it seems to be in Orthodoxy! Unlike in the Vatican where a Pope can simply issue a bull or an encyclical and change the course of the RC Church, in Orthodoxy, the primary body for decision making and approving changes is by Church Council --- which are exceedingly rare events --- so difficult is it to convene such an assemblage of so many hierarchs. So I think that this is why so much of this book is devoted to His All Holiness's efforts and successes on convening Orthodox councils ---- which are not common events. Unfortunately, the book assumes the reader would apparently recognize this, and does not very well explain the significance of these such that, I think, it's likely lost on most non-Orthodox readers.
Much, in the first part of the book, is made of the EP's efforts to build a basis for restoring communion between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church (broken apart in 1054 by the Great Schism) as well as ecumenical outreach with other groups such as the Anglican Church. However, after I was left wondering, based on what I'd read, why, apparently, the EP never made similar overtures to the persecuted and increasingly isolated Eastern Christian groups outside the Orthodox communion --- the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the Assyrian Church of the East. No mention is made of them, yet I would have thought that establishing communion between them and the Orthodox Church would be an easier effort than with the Roman Catholic Church, given the centuries of discord between these two in the past.
If I have one criticism about the book, it's that too much of the EP's life is portrayed as too perfect. Because it's a tribute, it tends to go too high on the praise for accomplishments, yet stray away from some of the less positive aspects that likely were encountered in his life --- just as we all do in our own lives. For example, much of the first part of the book is devoted to Bartholomew's efforts to promote religious tolerance, yet little is addressed to that reality impacting the majority of Middle Eastern Christian believers especially --- the growing intolerance of Islamic fundamentalism for religious minorities.
No doubt, this may be a reflection of the reality in which EP Bartholomew must live with --- in Istanbul, Turkey --- a very tiny drop of Christianity in a sea of Turkish Muslims who likely wish he and Turkey's last Christian remnant would go away altogether. Given that over the centuries, previous EPs have been tortured, executed, or dragged out into the Istanbul streets and beaten to death, clearly, the EPs position is one in which every word he says must be carefully measured, yet unfortunately, with respect to a bio, it makes for a book with few rough edges.
What's also interesting in this book --- at least to me --- is what is not said in it, yet --- again to me -- seems so sad. Much is made of Bartholomew's bucolic childhood in the Dodecanese island of Imbros, part of Turkey, --- with its beautiful scenery, healthy environment, and abundant agricultural productivity --- and his fond memories of his collegiate years in the Orthodox seminary of Halki ---- yet these places, as he knew them, no longer exist. In fact, these events leading to this, shocking to me, happened within my lifetime. Imbros was effectively ethnically cleansed over a period of years by the Turkish Government --- its majority Greek population of approximately 6,000 forced out by a series of property seizures and economic and religious restrictions, replaced by 7,000 Turks --- with but a tiny remnant of 200 Greeks remaining. Likewise, the Halki seminary --- shut down in 1971 by the Turks, shuttered to this day. Yet, little to nothing is mentioned, nor can it really be by the EP or his staff within the Phanar, the EP's rough equivalent to the RC's Vatican, given that the EP is likely under almost constant surveillance every day by the Erdogan regime in Turkey.
One of --- perhaps the greatest controversy of Bartholomew's tenure -- will be the Ukrainian Orthodox Church controversy and how Bartholomew dealt with it. It's an issue that has reflected as much on the growing separation between and antagonis between Russian and the Ukraine, and, unlike most Orthodox Church issues, really does have geopolitical ramifications beyond that of the religious sphere. I won't go into all of the issues on this here, and, as far as which side is in the right, depends greatly on all these different interpretations of canon laws, church councils from centuries ago, and "tomos" (basically rulings from patriarchs on issues). But, suffice to say, Bartholomew is generally reviled -- if not outright hated --- in the Russian Orthodox side for how he addressed the Ukrainian controversy --- yet commended in other parts of the Orthodox world. One thing can be said --- this book does provide his side of the story and why Bartholomew feels that his solution is for the best. This, probably more than other thing he's done in his life, will likely, right or wrong, be the measure upon how his legacy is taken by future generations in my faith.
In summary, I cannot honestly say this is a book that will capture the interest of all readers. For those in the Orthodox faith, it will be interesting to them to read to learn more about this most prominent figure in the Church. It's also a good book for those looking for the Ecumenical Patriarchate's involvement in the Ukrainian controversy.
Much of this book contains much on the EP's efforts to bridge differences between the Orthodox Church and other branches of Christianity and, perhaps, even more on his efforts to convene synods and Orthodox church councils. To those unfamiliar with the Orthodox faith, it's probably difficult to appreciate the difficulty in accomplishing these. So I think it's helpful to understand a few things about the position of EP. Most think of him as the East's equivalent to the Pope which he is not. He is not an autocrat, but is more a spiritual and moral authority in the Orthodox world --- as well as occasionally playing the role of referee and an honest broker in those situations where disputes or conflicts between Orthodox jurisdictions arise. As a new Orthodox believer, it seems to me that the EP is something more in terms of religious leader power and authority than the Dalai Lama, something less than the Pope. He is not considered infallible, for example. Some portions of the Orthodox Church ---- like the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, for example --- report directly to him. However, the Orthodox faith, writ large, is subdivided into 14 separate jurisdictions, such as the Russian Orthodox Church and the Church of Greece, each under the leadership of a patriarch. Of these, the EP is "primus inter pares" --- first among equals. He leads by moral authority, not temporal authority, those other 13 patriarchies and he cannot compel these fellow patriarchs to do anything --- unlike Roman Catholicism's Pope who can with respect to its cardinals, archbishops, abbots, etc.
So, just getting 14 patriarchs --- each with their own demands upon them and schedules and issues in their own ministry --- to meet on anything at the same time is no small accomplishment. For those familiar with "Lord of the Rings", like the way the Ents in "The Two Towers" make decisions very slowly and deliberately, and never in haste, via an Entmoot, so it seems to be in Orthodoxy! Unlike in the Vatican where a Pope can simply issue a bull or an encyclical and change the course of the RC Church, in Orthodoxy, the primary body for decision making and approving changes is by Church Council --- which are exceedingly rare events --- so difficult is it to convene such an assemblage of so many hierarchs. So I think that this is why so much of this book is devoted to His All Holiness's efforts and successes on convening Orthodox councils ---- which are not common events. Unfortunately, the book assumes the reader would apparently recognize this, and does not very well explain the significance of these such that, I think, it's likely lost on most non-Orthodox readers.
Much, in the first part of the book, is made of the EP's efforts to build a basis for restoring communion between the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church (broken apart in 1054 by the Great Schism) as well as ecumenical outreach with other groups such as the Anglican Church. However, after I was left wondering, based on what I'd read, why, apparently, the EP never made similar overtures to the persecuted and increasingly isolated Eastern Christian groups outside the Orthodox communion --- the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Armenian Apostolic Church, and the Assyrian Church of the East. No mention is made of them, yet I would have thought that establishing communion between them and the Orthodox Church would be an easier effort than with the Roman Catholic Church, given the centuries of discord between these two in the past.
If I have one criticism about the book, it's that too much of the EP's life is portrayed as too perfect. Because it's a tribute, it tends to go too high on the praise for accomplishments, yet stray away from some of the less positive aspects that likely were encountered in his life --- just as we all do in our own lives. For example, much of the first part of the book is devoted to Bartholomew's efforts to promote religious tolerance, yet little is addressed to that reality impacting the majority of Middle Eastern Christian believers especially --- the growing intolerance of Islamic fundamentalism for religious minorities.
No doubt, this may be a reflection of the reality in which EP Bartholomew must live with --- in Istanbul, Turkey --- a very tiny drop of Christianity in a sea of Turkish Muslims who likely wish he and Turkey's last Christian remnant would go away altogether. Given that over the centuries, previous EPs have been tortured, executed, or dragged out into the Istanbul streets and beaten to death, clearly, the EPs position is one in which every word he says must be carefully measured, yet unfortunately, with respect to a bio, it makes for a book with few rough edges.
What's also interesting in this book --- at least to me --- is what is not said in it, yet --- again to me -- seems so sad. Much is made of Bartholomew's bucolic childhood in the Dodecanese island of Imbros, part of Turkey, --- with its beautiful scenery, healthy environment, and abundant agricultural productivity --- and his fond memories of his collegiate years in the Orthodox seminary of Halki ---- yet these places, as he knew them, no longer exist. In fact, these events leading to this, shocking to me, happened within my lifetime. Imbros was effectively ethnically cleansed over a period of years by the Turkish Government --- its majority Greek population of approximately 6,000 forced out by a series of property seizures and economic and religious restrictions, replaced by 7,000 Turks --- with but a tiny remnant of 200 Greeks remaining. Likewise, the Halki seminary --- shut down in 1971 by the Turks, shuttered to this day. Yet, little to nothing is mentioned, nor can it really be by the EP or his staff within the Phanar, the EP's rough equivalent to the RC's Vatican, given that the EP is likely under almost constant surveillance every day by the Erdogan regime in Turkey.
One of --- perhaps the greatest controversy of Bartholomew's tenure -- will be the Ukrainian Orthodox Church controversy and how Bartholomew dealt with it. It's an issue that has reflected as much on the growing separation between and antagonis between Russian and the Ukraine, and, unlike most Orthodox Church issues, really does have geopolitical ramifications beyond that of the religious sphere. I won't go into all of the issues on this here, and, as far as which side is in the right, depends greatly on all these different interpretations of canon laws, church councils from centuries ago, and "tomos" (basically rulings from patriarchs on issues). But, suffice to say, Bartholomew is generally reviled -- if not outright hated --- in the Russian Orthodox side for how he addressed the Ukrainian controversy --- yet commended in other parts of the Orthodox world. One thing can be said --- this book does provide his side of the story and why Bartholomew feels that his solution is for the best. This, probably more than other thing he's done in his life, will likely, right or wrong, be the measure upon how his legacy is taken by future generations in my faith.
In summary, I cannot honestly say this is a book that will capture the interest of all readers. For those in the Orthodox faith, it will be interesting to them to read to learn more about this most prominent figure in the Church. It's also a good book for those looking for the Ecumenical Patriarchate's involvement in the Ukrainian controversy.
February 25, 2018
This work discusses the current patriarch of the Christian Orthodox Church as well as some of the history, beliefs, and teachings. There is included various reflections by various dignitaries including Pope Francis and Jane Goodall. This is a good insight into Bartholomew and the Christian Orthodox Church.
March 5, 2019
This book is a detailed account of his all Holiness Bartholomew, his beliefs and initiatives, and the impact he has had on interfaith dialogue and importantly the environment.
It provides good biographical data, context, and insight into his all Holiness’s character. For me the book really comes alive in the chapter from Imvros to Istanbul, detailing his upbringing and early glimpses into his spiritual journey ahead. The interspersed reflections from prominent contributors reinforces the strength of his character to do what is right and genuine love of humanity.
The one that follows - which unfortunately is quite timely - gives insight into the primacy of the Ecumenical Patriarch and goes some way to explain how the Church is evolving post Cold Wa and helped me understand better the touchy subject of autocephaly.
The integration of environmental preservation and protecting creation from devastation due to climate change into his mandate - in the mid 1990s - well before MNCs and financial institutions, who have been active over the past 5 years not 25y, confirms he is a visionary - as the title suggests.
It provides good biographical data, context, and insight into his all Holiness’s character. For me the book really comes alive in the chapter from Imvros to Istanbul, detailing his upbringing and early glimpses into his spiritual journey ahead. The interspersed reflections from prominent contributors reinforces the strength of his character to do what is right and genuine love of humanity.
The one that follows - which unfortunately is quite timely - gives insight into the primacy of the Ecumenical Patriarch and goes some way to explain how the Church is evolving post Cold Wa and helped me understand better the touchy subject of autocephaly.
The integration of environmental preservation and protecting creation from devastation due to climate change into his mandate - in the mid 1990s - well before MNCs and financial institutions, who have been active over the past 5 years not 25y, confirms he is a visionary - as the title suggests.
March 18, 2019
This book was maddening to read, like reviewing 257 pages of committee notes compiled by a sycophantic administrator who neglects all the really important questions in favour of padding a theoretical resume for someone applying to be a professional bureaucrat. And that, upon reading this, is what Bartholomew appears to be--simply a professional bureaucrat. He calls committees. He meets with people. He produces 'statements,' and 'declarations' with place-names attached to them to increase their functional gravitas. He meets with people, and they all seem to like him (Joe Biden, Benedict XVI, Jane Goodall, etc.), but for the life of me, after reading a biography of the man, I have no idea what he really does, or who he really is, or what he really thinks about things.
If you know absolutely nothing about Eastern Orthodoxy, you might read this to learn a little about how the EOC looks at the world, and a bit of its tumultuous history, and to get a picture of its most recent divisiveness. But if you can get your information from anywhere else, I'd probably choose that first.
If you know absolutely nothing about Eastern Orthodoxy, you might read this to learn a little about how the EOC looks at the world, and a bit of its tumultuous history, and to get a picture of its most recent divisiveness. But if you can get your information from anywhere else, I'd probably choose that first.
February 2, 2017
This very accessible and well-researched biography of His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew pays sound tribute to a legendary religious leader and man of faith who has wisely and faithfully led the Eastern Orthodox Church for over 25 years. The Orthodox Church, as well as the rest of Christendom and a world in dire need of spiritual guidance, is all the more richer because of Patriarch Bartholomew's visionary insights and prophetic utterings throughout his archpastoral ministry. The author, Fr. John Chryssavgis, masterfully sketches, in vivid detail, the "Green Patriarch" whose convictions and ecumenical outreach have necessarily shattered boundaries and obstacles for a brighter and more hopeful future for the one holy catholic and apostolic Church our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ established. A worthwhile read for all Orthodox Christians/
March 26, 2023
As an Orthodox Christian, reading this informative biographical book was insightful, enlightening, and inspiring. My respect increased for the Patriarch, especially for his sacred stance on saving the environment, opposing the forces of consumerism, greed, and materialism. His humility, openness to dialogue, and ability to communicate are his strengths to bring all kinds of people of faith, Orthodox, Catholic, Protestant, Jews, Muslim, Hindu, as well as those who hold no faith traditions. His genuine love for his fellow man is astonishing. Fascinating and worth reading, especially if you have never heard of this influential man.
December 28, 2025
This book was a great read. After reading this I can say that I have a deeper understanding and a greater respect for the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Patriarchate. The work that Bartholomew is doing is amazing and this book really opened my eyes to the negativity spoken of about the patriarch that I now believe to be unsolicited. The seriousness of his position as a global leader of the orthodox is shown when speaking of the acts of Bartholomew and the issues he has to deal with in the ancient see of Constantinople. Bartholomew truly is an Apostle in the contemporary world, spreading the truth of orthodoxy to the ends of the earth.
August 6, 2021
I agree with one reviewer who wrote that this book is more of a tribute than a biography. It's certainly a bit lopsided in how it presents some of the more controversial decisions that Patriarch Bartholomew has made, especially regarding the Orthodox Church of Ukraine.
May 18, 2021
An inspiring account of an inspiring man
October 26, 2024
Orthodoxy is not present in this book only a worldly message.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews