Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew received the title of Honorary Doctor of Sociology by the Izmir Economics University. One and a half years ago, he had received the same title from the University of Bosporus. The Economics University of Izmir has also awarded the same title to Former Turkish President Suleyman Demirel and Former Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi.
The University Senate stressed that through this honorary title, the institution acknowledges the Ecomenical Patriarch’s contribution to humanity and his work in promoting dialogue between religions.
After receiving his doctorate, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew delivered a speech where he stressed that the only way to overcome all fundamentalisms is dialogue. Addressing the students, he said that looking at them gives him courage and hope for the future. Furthermore, he asked teachers to inspire their students through their spirit of tolerance and understanding.
The ceremony was attended by representatives of Turkish authorities, a Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesman, the Consul General of Greece, foreign diplomats, members of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Holy Synod, academics and students.