His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Awarded Stony Brook Council University Medal

From left: Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, and Stony Brook Council Chair Kevin Law. Photos by John Griffin.

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, was awarded the Stony Brook Council University Medalat Stony Brook Southampton in recognition of his efforts on behalf of climate action, faith-based environmentalism and helping foster interfaith dialogue.

The September 20 event, "Oceans of Hope: The Green Patriarch Recognizes Stony Brook Southampton's Marine Sciences Mission," was sponsored by Kokolakis Contracting and held at the Avram Theater. The University Medal is the highest form of recognition awarded by Stony Brook, reserved for individuals who have had a significant and lasting impact on the university and community.

His All-Holiness is known globally as the "Green Patriarch" because of his steadfast support of the environment. Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith pointed to his dedication to elevating debate on the impact of climate change, especially on marginalized communities; the moral implications of that pressing challenge; his history of speaking about the significance of climate change and the ethics of action and inaction; and the need to address inequities in the pursuit of environmental 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," she said.

Goldsmith also noted Stony Brook's own commitment to sustainability and research, particularly through the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, where faculty and staff have played a critical role in pressing conservation efforts, like those of 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."

Goldsmith and Stony Brook Council Chair Kevin Law then presented His All-Holiness with the medal before an audience at the Avram Theater that included elected officials, area residents, members of the Stony Brook Foundation and Stony Brook Council, and tribal leaders from the Shinnecock Nation.

"The oceans, the rivers and streams now need our help," His All-Holiness said after receiving the medal. "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."

The day's events included a boat tour of the Shinnecock Bay Hope Spotled by professors Ellen Pikitch and Christopher Gobler ofthe School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS). Shinnecock Bay was named a Hope Spot in 2022 by Mission Blue, an international organization that supports the protection of oceans worldwide.

The distinction is the result of a decade of restorative and scientific work led by Pikitch, Gobler and Bradley Peterson of SoMAS. Hope Spots are pristine, iconic ocean regions, which places Shinnecock Bay in a league with internationally recognized locations such as the Galapagos Islands, the Sargasso Sea and the Ross Sea in Antarctica. The bay is the first Hope Spot in New York State.

From left: Professor Chris Gobler, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, President Andrea Goldsmith, and Professor Ellen Pikitch.

"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 and executive director of Stony Brook Southampton. "The Shinnecock have long been leaders in caring for the land and waters of this region, and their collaboration with Stony Brook University researchers that led to the designation of Shinnecock Bay as a Mission Blue Hope Spot is a powerful example of what can be achieved when we work together."

His All-Holiness has been recognized by the United Nations and the John Templeton Foundation. He was awarded the $1 million Templeton Prize for his efforts at the intersection of faith and science, and his visit to Stony Brook Southampton was timed with the Orthodox Church's Day of the Environment on September 1 and the awarding of the 2025 Templeton Prize.