Welcoming the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, His All-Holiness Bartholomew

Floor Speech

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Mr. LATIMER. Mr. Speaker, it is a profound honor to recognize His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, known throughout the world as the ``Bridge Builder'' and the ``Patriarch of Peace.'' As the spiritual leader of over 250 million Orthodox Christians, he has dedicated his life to the pursuit of reconciliation, understanding, and human dignity. Despite enduring decades of persecution and restrictions upon his Patriarchate in Istanbul, he has remained steadfast in his mission, bearing witness not only to the strength of faith but also to the power of compassion.

His All-Holiness Bartholomew, born Demetrios Arhondonis in 1940 on the island of Imvros was elected in October 1991 as the 270th Archbishop of the 2000-year-old Church founded by the Apostle Andrew. He holds the historic title of Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, a position that dates back to the sixth century. A citizen of Turkey, he studied in Imvros, Istanbul, Rome, Switzerland, Munich, and Athens, where he earned his doctorate in Canon Law and helped found the Society of Canon Law of the Oriental Churches. Ordained in 1961 and 1969, he served as Assistant Dean of Halki, Secretary to Patriarch Demetrios, Metropolitan of Philadelphia, and later Metropolitan of Chalcedon before his election as Ecumenical Patriarch.

Patriarch Bartholomew's leadership extends far beyond the walls of the Church. He has become a global voice for peace, interfaith communication, and environmental stewardship, reminding the world that creation itself is a sacred trust. Through initiatives such as establishing a worldwide day of prayer for the environment and convening international gatherings of scientists, leaders, and theologians, he has exemplified how faith can serve the common good. His tireless journeys across continents and his engagements with parliaments, heads of state, and religious leaders have earned him honors from the United Nations, the European Union, and this very Congress, which bestowed upon him the Congressional Gold Medal beneath this Capitol dome.

Mr. Speaker, in honoring Patriarch Bartholomew, we recognize a man whose life's work has been the building of bridges, between East and West, faith and justice. His enduring witness to peace and extraordinary work for humanity is an inspiration to us all. May his example continue to inspire us to build bridges of understanding, to care for all of God's creation, and continuously seek justice and reconciliation.

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