Bartholomew I Religious figure Date of Birth: 29.02.1940 Country: Italy

1. Early Life and Education
2. Military Service and Advanced Studies
3. Return to Istanbul and Rise in the Church
4. Ecumenical Patriarch
5. Relations with Other Faiths and Organizations
6. Controversies and Challenges
7. Environmental Activism
8. Assassination Attempt

Early Life and Education

Dimitrios Archondoniswas born on the Greek island of Gökçeada, which officially belonged to Turkey at the time. He was part of the small Greek diaspora in Turkey and initially studied on his home island before attending high school in Istanbul.

After graduating from high school, he entered the Theological Seminary of Halki, where he excelled and graduated with honors in 1961. He was subsequently ordained as a deacon and took the name Bartholomew.

Military Service and Advanced Studies

From 1961 to 1963, Bartholomew served in the Turkish military. After his discharge, he pursued advanced theological studies in Rome, Switzerland, and Germany from 1963 to 1968. He completed his doctoral dissertation and became a professor for a brief period.

Return to Istanbul and Rise in the Church

In 1968, Bartholomew returned to Istanbul and was ordained as a full priest the following year. In 1972, when Demetrius I became the Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew was appointed as the Director of the Patriarchal Office, a position he retained while also serving as the titular Metropolitan of Philadelphia since 1973. He relinquished the latter role in 1990 when he became the Metropolitan of Chalcedon.

Ecumenical Patriarch

On November 2, 1991, Bartholomew was elected as the Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome, and Ecumenical Patriarch, the highest rank in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

Relations with Other Faiths and Organizations

Bartholomew I has played an active role in interfaith dialogue and environmental advocacy. He has visited Muslim and Jewish countries, and has been a vocal advocate for human rights and religious tolerance.

Controversies and Challenges

Bartholomew I's relations with the Russian Orthodox Church have been strained in recent years, particularly over issues related to the Ukraine conflict. He has also faced opposition from Turkish nationalists due to his efforts to revive the Orthodox faith in areas where it has been suppressed.

Environmental Activism

Bartholomew I is known for his environmental activism and has been recognized by international organizations for his efforts. He has been dubbed the "Green Patriarch" or "Green Pope" and has received numerous awards for his commitment to environmental protection.

Assassination Attempt

In May 2013, an attempted assassination of Bartholomew I was foiled after the anonymous tip led to the arrest of a suspect, A. Serdar. The investigation into the plot is ongoing.