Welcoming the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Washington, D.C.

Floor Speech

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Mr. BOYLE of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to our Nation's Capital and to recognize him for his acceptance of the distinguished Templeton Prize.

Born Demetrios Arhondonis in 1940, His All-Holiness Bartholomew completed his undergraduate studies at the historic Theological School of Halki. He would also pursue graduate degrees in Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Greece. Before being ordained to the Diaconate in 1961 and to the Priesthood in 1969, he was a founding member of the Society of Canon Law of the Oriental Churches.

The Ecumenical Patriarch served as Assistant Dean at the Theological School of Halki from 1968 to 1972 before his appointment as Personal Secretary to the late Ecumenical Patriarch Demetrios. In 1973, he was elected as Metropolitan of Philadelphia and, in 1990, Metropolitan of Chalcedon. Finally, he was elected in October of 1991 as the 270th Archbishop of the 2000-year-old Church founded by the Apostle Andrew.

As the spiritual leader to 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is known as a transnational figure who has focused on organizing international and interfaith peace conferences, challenging racism and religious fundamentalism, and promoting religious freedom and human rights. He is also seen as a global leader in championing environmental stewardship and has organized several international summits to address ecological issues. His accolades include a Congressional Gold Medal in 1997, recognition from The Guardian as one of the world's leaders in raising environmental awareness, and recognition from Time Magazine as one of the world's most influential people.

Mr. Speaker, it's my privilege to welcome the Ecumenical Patriarch to Washington, D.C. and to congratulate him on his receiving such an esteemed award in the Templeton Prize.

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