The Ecumenical Patriarchate has warmly welcomed the agreement between Greece and Bulgaria for the return of historical and religious relics that were removed more than a century ago from the Holy Metropolises and Monasteries of Northern Greece. In an official statement, the Phanar describes the agreement as the “beginning” of a broader restoration process, expressing hope that the return of additional precious cultural treasures will follow. The statement also references the initiatives undertaken by Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on this matter during his visit to Sofia. Of particular significance is the agreement’s connection to the wider issue of cultural heritage repatriation. In this context, the Ecumenical Patriarchate makes explicit reference to the Parthenon Sculptures, expressing hope for their reunification with the Acropolis monument.
Full statement of the Ecumenical Patriarchate
The Ecumenical Patriarchate has been informed of the agreement between the Governments of Greece and Bulgaria regarding the exchange of historical relics, and expresses its satisfaction at the commencement of the return from Bulgaria of precious and sacred objects that were removed more than one hundred years ago from Holy Metropolises and Monasteries under the spiritual and canonical jurisdiction of the Holy Great Church of Christ in Northern Greece.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate speaks of the “beginning” of the restoration of the plunder of the religious and cultural relics in question, because it hopes that this restoration will be completed swiftly, in accordance with the dictates of moral order and international law, and particularly within the framework of the warm relations between the two neighboring and allied countries, both members of the European Union.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate recalls that His All-Holiness the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, during a visit to Sofia some years ago, had formally raised this matter of the relics with the then President of the Republic of Bulgaria, and now rejoices at the commencement of the relevant process and congratulates both Governments for what has been accomplished and for what is yet to follow.
The Patriarchate simultaneously expresses the wish and hope that this development may serve as a broader example and inspiration, leading the competent authorities of other countries to also contribute positively to the repatriation of displaced cultural treasures — such as the Parthenon Sculptures, that monument and symbol for all of humanity, which silently and patiently awaits its reunification with its other organic members that were forcibly taken from their home.
