On 1 September 1989, Ecumenical Patriarch Dimitrios invited the whole Christian world ‘to offer together with the Great Mother Church of Christ (the Ecumenical Patriarchate) every year on this day prayers and supplication to the Maker of all, both as thanksgiving for the great gift of Creation and as petitions for its protection and salvation.’
If you would like to read this message visit goarch.org/ourfaith/ourfaith8052
On 6 August 2015 Pope Francis, ‘Sharing the concern of my beloved brother, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, for the future of creation (cf. Laudato Si’, 7-9), and at the suggestion of his representative, Metropolitan Ioannis of Pergamum … decided to institute in the Catholic Church the “World Day of Prayer for the Care of Creation”’
The Uniting Church in Australia, around 2000 developed the Season of Creation. At the same time, the European Christian Environmental Network was developing a similar concept. Now the Season of Creation is celebrated worldwide, beginning on the World Day of Prayer for Creation, 1 September, and continuing through to 4 October, which is celebrated in a number of traditions as the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi.
Norman Habel, a passionate environmentalist, in writing about the Season of Creation, explains the aim of the Season of Creation as: ‘a joint celebration in which we not only give thanks for creation but also celebrate with creation. Our goal is a mutual ministry in which we are not only called to serve and sustain life, but recognize how creation serves and sustains life.
Triune Lord, wondrous community of infinite love,
teach us to contemplate you
in the beauty of the universe,
for all things speak of you.
Awaken our praise and thankfulness
for every being that you have made.
give us the grace to feel profoundly joined
to everything that is
The Uniting Church’s Uniting Earth Ministry together with Pilgrim Theological College and theological colleges across the county have planned a national webinar. The Uniting Church is providing a wonderful opportunity to us.
May this Season of Creation be time of blessing for us and for our earth.
Sr Elizabeth Delaney SGS
General Secretary
