On his way to attend the UN COP17 on biodiversity in Armenia, the Bishop of Norwich represented the Archbishop of Canterbury at the celebrations to mark the 35th anniversary of the election of His All-Holiness The Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew I. This included a dinner hosted by the Bishops of Turkey and attendance at the Divine Liturgy.
Bartholomew I is Ecumenical Patriarch and Archbishop of Constantinople, regarded as the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church worldwide. He is known as the ‘Green Patriarch’ for his long standing commitment to the environment.
The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher is the Lead Bishop for Environment for the Church of England.
After a lunch with His All-Holiness, Bishop Graham had a private audience. He conveyed the greetings of Archbishop Sarah and the Church of England. Bishop Graham presented him with a copy of the House of Bishop’s new teaching document ‘Hope for All Creation’. He also gave him a wooden quaich carved in English oak by Brian Wooden, a parishioner from the Diocese of Norwich. Brian also made a bowl that Bishop Graham gave to Pope Francis. The quaich, a Scottish drinking cup, is a symbol of friendship. Bishop Graham said,
“It was an immense privilege to speak with the Ecumenical Patriarch about our common commitment to the environment. For 35 years His All-Holiness has borne faithful and courageous witness to his calling, tirelessly encouraged reconciliation, strengthened ecumenical dialogue, and been a prophetic witness to the care of God’s creation. I give thanks to God for his faithful ministry and assured him of the continued prayers of people in the Church of England.”
Bishop Graham is a former member of the International Commission for Anglican Orthodox Theological Dialogue.