Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon at the 9th Delphi Economic Forum

In the middle of the 9th Delphi Economic Forum, a particularly interesting session was held on the subject of “Religious Diplomacy”, where His Eminence Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon developed the Orthodox view of the issue. The panel sparked a lively exchange of ideas, focusing on the catalytic role of religious leaders in promoting peace and understanding in the modern age.

Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel actively contributed to the debate on the intersection of faith and statesmanship, illuminating how religious principles can exert a beneficial influence on international relations and peacebuilding efforts. His message underlined the significant role of the Church in cultivating unity and mutual understanding between nations. His views offered an original perspective on how religious leaders are able to help solve the most critical and burning issues of our time.

Special mention was made of the various initiatives of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to promote dialogue with other Christian Churches and Confessions, as well as in the field of academic dialogue with Judaism and Islam, with the ultimate goal of the prevalence of peace and reconciliation. In addition, Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel referred to the initiative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate for the protection of the environment, as well as the awarding of Autocephaly by the Ecumenical Patriarchate to the Church of Ukraine.

The panel on Religious Diplomacy was made up of a chorus of distinguished speakers, including Professor Elizabeth Prodromou of Boston College, Mr. Konstantinos Alexandris of the European External Action Service and the acclaimed honorary ambassador Mr. Tasos Kriekoukis, under the chairmanship of the Deputy Professor of Ecclesiastical History at the University of Athens, Mr. Ioannis Panagiotopoulos. Together, they explored the intersections of faith and politics, highlighting the pivotal impact of religious considerations on the world stage.