And in Eastern Europe, we have everything to gain by restoring a more ecumenical view. Those countries, just now emerging from decades of totalitarianism, desperately need the help and leadership of the rest of us. They, too, are the children of the Great Church of Christ, and if we open our heats and minds to them and include them once again in our oikoumene, great things will happen. Fragmentation will give way to unity, Orthodox will greet each other as brothers and sisters, and we will echo the words of the Psalms, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

Allow us to reiterate that we do not envision the Ecumenical Patriarchate as another Vatican, nor are we trying to transform it into such. On the contrary, we have stated on numerous occasions that even if such an idea were proposed to us, we would reject it as contradictory to the ecclesiology and traditions of the Orthodox Church. The Ecumenical Patriarchate does not wish to become a state. It wishes to remain only a church - a church, however, that is free and respected by all - only a religious and spiritual institution teaching, edifying sharing philanthropic ideals, civilizing, and preaching love in every direction. The Ecumenical Patriarchate is the fullness of the church that was founded by the God of love, whose peace "surpasses all understanding" (Phil. 4:7). We "pursue what makes for peace" (Rom. 14:19). We believe that "God is love" (I John 4:16), which is why we are not afraid; "Perfect love casts out fear" (I John 4:18). Indeed, our philosophy can be summarized neatly in the famous words of the Apostle Paul, "Brethren, be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love" (I Cor. 16:13-14).

This is our faith - this is our hope - and this is our prayer. May the Lord bless all of you.