Greetings of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the Seventy-First Convention of Wingolfsbund

It is with sincere joy that we greet the 71st convention of the historical student association Wingolf, the oldest such establishment in Europe, with roots dating back to ecumenical gatherings from before the middle of the nineteenth century. We are truly moved by the impressive accomplishments and influential achievements of its members over numerous decades, with admirable leadership in diverse evangelical and religious circles as well as exemplary leadership in the broader community in general. Esteemed members of your association have provided direction in their respective churches – Roman Catholic, Protestant and, more recently, Orthodox – but have also proved themselves to be selfless and sacrificial pioneers through difficult moments of history, such as the World Wars and their cruel concentration camps.

Today, Wingolfsbund numbers thousands of young and vibrant members from all parts of Europe, all gathered under its umbrella association and motivated by the Pauline motto that through the one person of Jesus Christ, all things are possible. (Phil. 4.13)

There is no doubt that unity and harmony are the ultimate goals of every society – local, regional and international alike. Moreover, there is no doubt that such unity and harmony cannot be achieved without humble encounter and open dialogue with all. Nevertheless, what we often neglect to underline is the unique source of this unity and harmony that is made possible in the hearts and exchanges of young students, whose burning desire for openness and tolerance makes the seemingly impossible (for those, who are conditioned by the worldly ambitions of greed) truly possible through “the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father and the communion of the Holy Spirit.” (2 Cor. 13.13) You are not merely tomorrow’s leaders; you are yesterday’s legacy and today’s hope.

It is, therefore, with this biblical and liturgical blessing that we extend to you all – organizers, leaders, participants and observers at this memorable gathering during the Wartburgfest in Eisenach (Germany) – our heartfelt wishes and fervent prayers for successful deliberations, spiritual communications, and fruitful results. May God bless you all.

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