His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, will be honored with The Stony Brook Council University Medal on September 20 at Stony Brook Southampton. The ceremony, titled “Oceans of Hope: The Green Patriarch Recognizes Stony Brook Southampton’s Marine Sciences Mission,” is scheduled for noon at the Avram Theater and is open to the public with free tickets available online.
The University Medal represents the highest recognition from Stony Brook University and is reserved for individuals who have made a significant and lasting impact on the university and its community.
Patriarch Bartholomew, often called the “Green Patriarch” in Europe, has led efforts among religious leaders to address environmental issues. He has organized seminars and dialogues focused on mobilizing moral and spiritual resources to foster harmony between humanity 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 for his environmental advocacy from several U.S. presidents as well as organizations such as the United Nations. He was awarded the $1 million Templeton Prize by the John Templeton Foundation for his work connecting faith with science. His visit coincides with both the Orthodox Church’s Day of the Environment on September 1 and this year’s awarding of the Templeton Prize.
