Resolution Honoring His All-Holiness Bartholomew I with the University Medal for exemplary spiritual leadership and global service

WHEREAS, as Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew occupies the First Throne of the worldwide Orthodox Christian Church, presiding in historical honor and fraternal spirit as "first among equals" of all Orthodox Primates and serving as the spiritual leader to 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide; and 

WHEREAS, a significant increase in the role of the Ecumenical Patriarch as a transnational figure of global significance has been seen during his tenure since October 1991, with invitations to speak at the European Parliament, the United Nations, UNESCO, and the World Economic Forum, alongside numerous exchanged invitations with Church and State dignitaries; and 

WHEREAS, widespread recognition as a peacemaker and bridge-builder has been earned through tireless work for reconciliation among Christian Churches and through international peace conferences and meetings on racism and fundamentalism bringing together Christians, Muslims, and Jews to advance greater cooperation and mutual understanding, reflecting an unequivocal commitment to peace and tolerance; and 

WHEREAS, pioneering efforts in interfaith encounters include traveling to Muslim countries rarely visited by Christian leaders and initiating international meetings and theological conversations with Muslim and Jewish leaders to promote mutual respect and religious tolerance on a global level; and 

WHEREAS, environmental issues have been a prominent feature of his spiritual message of stewardship, his atention to institutional action earning him the title “Green Patriarch,” with famous declarations that "crime against the natural world is a sin", and having organized international summits to address ecological problems and securing grants for environmental protection; and 

WHEREAS, he has been awarded the 2025 Templeton Prize in recognition of his pioneering efforts to integrate scientific and spiritual perspectives on humanity’s relationship with the natural world, making environmental stewardship a central tenet of his spiritual leadership and advancing new insights at the intersection of religion and science; and 

WHEREAS, his collective efforts to promote religious freedom and human rights, along with initiatives for religious tolerance, international peace, and environmental protection, have justly placed him at the forefront of global visionaries as an apostle of love, peace, and reconciliation, resulting in global honors including the Gold Medal of the United States Congress, recognition by The Guardian for raising environmental awareness, and being named one of the world's most influential people by Time Magazine; and 

WHEREAS, his spiritual leadership, embodying compassion and goodwill, resonates deeply with the numerous Eastern Orthodox Christians residing on Long Island, reinforcing principles of community, global responsibility, and the healing power of faith; and 

WHEREAS, His All-Holiness Bartholomew's unwavering commitment to peace, interfaith understanding, environmental stewardship, and human rights serves as a profound inspiration and model for Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Medicine, and the broader communities of Long Island and New York, reflectnig values central to our mission;  

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE STONY BROOK COUNCIL, THAT: 

The Stony Brook Council unanimously agrees to bestow upon His All-Holiness Bartholomew I, Ecumenical Patriarch, the Stony Brook Council University Medal in tribute and in gratitude for his exemplary spiritual leadership and public service. His All-Holiness Bartholomew has served the common good globally and stands as a transformative figure, and is hereby recognized for his exceptional achievements that serve as an enduring model for Stony Brook University, Stony Brook Medicine, and our entire community. 

The Stony Brook Council authorizes Chair, Kevin Law, to transmit this resolution to the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York.

July 9, 2025