Already, being conscious of our unworthiness and humbleness, looking ahead to the insupportable cross which we have borne, we seek refuge in the mercy of the Lord and we invoke His grace in order that He might enable us to perfect His power in our infirmity (2 Cor. 12:9).

Indeed, "the tremendous concerns which the Patriarch of New Rome assumes and the various temptations and adverse influences which he must battle demand that he be experienced in the task of piloting the great ship."

Thus, in self-emptiness, we approach at this moment the burning and unconsumed bush of the Ecumenical Patriarchy -- by which we are called to see God -- in the service of the mystery of unbroken apostolicity, in diakonia and witness of Orthodoxy, and to the edification of christian unity.

Speaking for the first time from this Holy See, we say before all else, along with our predecessor among the saints, John Chrysostom, "glory to God for all things."