Patriarhia Ecumenică în epoca Războiului Rece
The Ecumenical Patriarchate During the Cold War

Summary/Abstract: This paper examines the evolution of the Ecumenical Patriarchate during the Cold War period, highlighting the impact of political, social, and religious pressures on its development. Although economically and politically weakened after World War II, the Patriarchate faced additional vulnerabilities from two directions: on one hand, the Turkish persecution of the Greek minority, and on the other, competition from the Moscow Patriarchate, supported by the Soviet regime. Under the leadership of Patriarch Athenagoras I, the Patriarchate initiated reforms and strengthened its ties with the United States, becoming a spiritual stronghold against communist expansion. Events such as the 1955 pogrom and the closure of the Theological School of Halki in 1971 were significant setbacks, yet the Patriarchate responded through reconstruction and diplomatic engagement. It became actively involved in promoting pan-Orthodox and ecumenical dialogue, contributing to the lifting of the 1054 anathemas and reinforcing inter-Orthodox relations. Despite ongoing challenges, the Patriarchate continued to play a vital role in the Orthodox world and on the global religious stage.

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