My beloved children,

During the days that you will be gathered together from all over the world to share your common values that unite you, our thoughts will be with you in the same way that the father always thinks of his children.

For us it is not important if you belong to different cultures or religious denominations, as our Orthodox Church does not make any distinction between people, but in the contrary, distinguishes them between the ones that know God and the others who ignore Him. And our Church’s fervent wish is that those who do ignore Him, come close to Him so that they will be saved.

During the days that you will be gathered together in the United Kingdom, you will be fortunate enough to meet with many young people from all over the world, to make new friends, to share your heritage and dreams as well as your joys and sorrows. And this experience will help you prepare your life in a way that the Lord will recognise in you Himself and consequently invite you by telling you: “Come with me to my Kingdom, you the chosen ones”.

And how will He recognise in you Himself? If we learn in this life how to love and sacrifice for our brother. Because love for God without love for our neighbour cannot happen. But this love must be extended also to those who do not love us or hate us or consider themselves as our enemies.

With these thoughts we welcome your gathering on the occasion of the 21st World Scout Jamboree which this year coincides with the celebration of the centenary of the Scouting Movement.

May the plentiful Grace, the Peace and the Enlightenment of our Lord Jesus Christ as well as our paternal patriarchal blessing be with you all during the Jamboree and ever.

27 July 2007
Bartholomeos I
Patriarch of Constantinople and new Rome
and Ecumenical Patriarch