The third day of the 9th Ecological Symposium of the Ecumenical Patriarchate featured two sessions focusing on the relationship between economy and ecology, but also the environmental crisis and forced migration.
The first session held on the island of Spetses included renowned economist Jeffrey Sachs (Earth Institute), author and activist Maude Barlow (Council of Canadians), and Orthodox theologian Metropolitan John of Pergamon, who observed that responding to the ecological crisis and respecting God’s creation would not be the result of reducing selfish consumption, but rather the result of recognizing the world as a gift. The second session held on the island of Spestes was addressed by scientist and activist Vandana Shiva, as well as a refugee from Iran, who is now a shelter coordinator assisting unaccompanied refugee children.
Between the two sessions, the Ecumenical Patriarch released two kestrels, which had been injured and restored to health.
