His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, received the Stony Brook Council University Medal at an event held at Stony Brook Southampton. The award was given in recognition of his advocacy for climate action, environmentalism rooted in faith, and promotion of interfaith dialogue.
The ceremony took place on September 20 at the Avram Theater during an event titled “Oceans of Hope: The Green Patriarch Recognizes Stony Brook Southampton’s Marine Sciences Mission.” Kokolakis Contracting sponsored the gathering. The University Medal is the highest honor bestowed by Stony Brook University and is reserved for individuals who have made a significant impact on both the university and its community.
Known internationally as the “Green Patriarch,” His All-Holiness has been active in supporting environmental causes. Andrea Goldsmith, president of Stony Brook University, highlighted his efforts to bring attention to climate change and its effects on marginalized communities. She also emphasized his role in discussing ethical considerations related to climate action and justice.
“It is for these reasons that we are so honored to celebrate him today with the university’s highest honor, the Stony Brook Council University Medal, in recognition of his tireless efforts, taking the lead among all religious leaders in his concern for the environment,” Goldsmith said.
Goldsmith also discussed Stony Brook’s commitment to sustainability through research conducted by faculty and staff at its School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences. She cited conservation initiatives such as those led by the Shinnecock Bay Restoration Program.
“Stony Brook shares the commitment of His All-Holiness in taking steps toward creating a more sustainable world and encouraging dialogue and action among our peers,” Goldsmith said. “As president of Stony Brook, I’m so proud of the work that we’ve accomplished and I am committed to continuing to support our Southampton Campus and the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences on these globally significant initiatives, and the people and work that they inspire.”
Kevin Law, chair of Stony Brook Council, joined Goldsmith in presenting His All-Holiness with the medal before an audience that included elected officials, local residents, members from both university leadership bodies, as well as tribal leaders from the Shinnecock Nation.
“The oceans, the rivers and streams now need our help,” His All-Holiness said after accepting his award. “Here at Stony Brook, you are making most significant contributions to the healing of our waters that they so desperately need. We are honored by your bestowal of the University Medal to our humble person as a sign of the solidarity we share in the protection of the environment.”
Attendees participated in a boat tour led by professors Ellen Pikitch and Christopher Gobler from SoMAS (School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences) showcasing Shinnecock Bay’s status as a Mission Blue Hope Spot since 2022—a designation reflecting over ten years’ worth of restoration efforts led by Pikitch, Gobler, and Bradley Peterson. Hope Spots are areas recognized for their ecological significance; Shinnecock Bay is New York State’s first such site.
“In honoring a global leader whose work has illuminated the sacred responsibility we all share to care for our environment, it is fitting that we also acknowledge the original stewards of this land, the Shinnecock Indian Nation,” said Wendy Pearson—vice president for strategic initiatives at Stony Brook Southampton—highlighting collaboration between university researchers and tribal members leading up to Shinnecock Bay’s international recognition.
His All-Holiness has previously been acknowledged by organizations such as the United Nations for his work connecting faith with science-based environmentalism. He received the $1 million Templeton Prize recognizing achievements bridging religion with scientific understanding; this visit coincided with both Orthodox Day of Environment (September 1) celebrations and announcement regarding next year’s Templeton Prize recipient.