Who Is Bartholomew I of Constantinople? Age, Biography and Wiki
Bartholomew I of Constantinople, born on February 29, 1940, is a prominent figure in the Orthodox Christian community and has served as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople since 1991. As of 2025, he is 85 years old. Known for his dedication to interfaith dialogue and contemporary issues such as environmentalism, Bartholomew I has become an influential leader, advocating for peace and unity among different faiths.
| Occupation | Environmentalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 29, 1940 |
| Age | 85 Years |
| Birth Place | Zeytinliköy, Gökçeada, Turkey |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | Turkey |
Popularity
Bartholomew I of Constantinople's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Bartholomew I maintains a dignified presence, characteristic of his esteemed position. While specific measurements such as height and weight may not be widely publicized given his role, his commitment to health is well recognized. As an influential religious leader, he exemplifies grace and poise, a true representation of his spiritual commitment.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As a prominent religious figure, Bartholomew I is dedicated to his role as the Patriarch, which aligns with a life of celibacy in line with Orthodox Christian traditions. Therefore, he does not have a girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, or wife. His focus has consistently been on his spiritual duties and responsibilities towards the Orthodox Church and its followers.
On April 10, 2025, he was awarded the Templeton Prize for "his pioneering efforts to bridge scientific and spiritual understandings of humanity’s relationship with the natural world, bringing together people of different faiths to heed a call for stewardship of creation."
Net Worth and Salary
While exact figures regarding Bartholomew I's net worth and salary are not publicly available, the position of Ecumenical Patriarch typically does not attract significant financial compensation in a conventional sense. However, leaders of such religious stature often have influence over various charitable organizations and ecclesiastical assets, emphasizing a life of service over personal wealth accumulation.
In an interview published on 19 November 2006 in the daily newspaper Sabah, Bartholomew addressed the issues of religious freedom and the then upcoming papal trip of Pope Benedict XVI to Turkey. He also referred to the closing of the Halki seminary by saying: "As Turkish citizens, we pay taxes. We serve in the military. We vote.
As citizens we do everything. We want the same rights. But it does not happen... If Muslims want to study theology, there are 24 theology faculties. Where are we going to study?" He also addressed the issue of his ecumenical title and it not being accepted by the Turkish government: "We've had this title since the 6th century...
The word ecumenical has no political content. [...] This title is the only thing that I insist on. I will never renounce this title".
Career, Business and Investments
Bartholomew I's career spans several decades, chiefly defined by his leadership within the Orthodox Church. His election as Ecumenical Patriarch in 1991 marked the beginning of a transformative period for the Church, during which he has championed numerous initiatives including:
- Interfaith Dialogue: Advocating for unity and cooperation among various religious communities.
- Environmental Advocacy: Promoting sustainable practices and awareness on ecological issues, earning him the nickname "Green Patriarch."
- Social Justice: Actively addressing social issues facing marginalized communities, reinforcing the Church's mission of service.
After his graduation, he held a position at the Patriarchal Theological Seminary of Halki, where he was ordained a priest. Later, he served as Metropolis of Philadelphia and Chalcedon and he became a member of the Holy Synod as well as other committees, prior to his enthronement as Patriarch.
Social Network
Bartholomew I maintains a notable presence on social media platforms, often using these channels to disseminate messages of peace, spirituality, and community service. His official accounts include:
- Instagram: Showcasing images from his sermons and engagements.
- Twitter: Sharing thoughts on modern issues affecting society and the Church.
- Facebook: Interacting with followers through announcements and event posts.
Education
Bartholomew I's educational background is rich and diverse, starting from his early education in Greece and culminating in theological studies. He holds degrees from the Theological School of Halki and further enhanced his education through postgraduate studies at prestigious institutions. His academic pursuits have informed his extensive writings and speeches, contributing to his stature as a learned leader within the Orthodox community.
In conclusion, Bartholomew I of Constantinople continues to wield significant influence as a religious leader, dedicated to interfaith dialogue, social issues, and sustainable practices. As he navigates the challenges of modernity, his life’s work remains a testament to his commitment to faith, service, and unity in a complex world.
He began his studies at Imbro and went on to attend the Zografeion Lyceum high school in Istanbul, then entered the Theological School of Halki on the island of that name (Turkish: Heybeliada), in the Sea of Marmara. There he gained a doctorate in theology.
On 13 August 1961, he was ordained deacon and in the years 1961–1963 completed military service in the Turkish army with the rank of sublieutenant.
Following this, from 1963 to 1968, with a study bourse from the Ecumenical Patriarchate, he gained diplomas in postgraduate specialization at the Oriental Institute of the Gregorian University in Rome, the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey (Switzerland) and the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich.
Subsequently, he gained a doctorate from Rome's Gregorian University with a thesis regarding the codification of the canons and canonical decrees in the Orthodox Church, perfecting also in these years his knowledge of Latin, Italian, French, English, and German.
