His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, will be honored with The Stony Brook Council University Medal for his work in climate action, faith-based environmentalism, and promoting interfaith dialogue. The ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, September 20 at noon at the Avram Theater on the Stony Brook Southampton campus.
The event, titled “Oceans of Hope: The Green Patriarch Recognizes Stony Brook Southampton’s Marine Sciences Mission,” will be open to the public with free tickets available online. The University Medal represents Stony Brook’s highest recognition and is given to individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on the university and its community.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has been called the “Green Patriarch” in Europe due to his leadership among religious figures concerning environmental issues. He has organized seminars and dialogues aimed at mobilizing moral and spiritual resources to achieve harmony between people and nature.
“We are honored to welcome Green Patriarch Bartholomew to Stony Brook Southampton, where our 84-acre campus overlooking Shinnecock Bay and the Atlantic inspires a deep commitment to environmental stewardship,” said Wendy Pearson, executive director of Stony Brook Southampton and vice president of strategic initiatives for Stony Brook University. “Through national initiatives like the FoodLab, the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, and Semester by the Sea — and our collaborations with Shinnecock Nation and Mission Blue — we unite research, education and community partnerships to protect natural resources and build long-term sustainability. This occasion reflects our shared vision for a future where science, innovation, and community protect our land and sea.”
Patriarch Bartholomew has received international recognition from leaders such as Presidents Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, as well as organizations including the United Nations. He was awarded the $1 million Templeton Prize by the John Templeton Foundation for his efforts connecting faith with science. His visit coincides with both the Orthodox Church’s Day of the Environment on September 1 and his receipt of the 2025 Templeton Prize.
