Welcoming His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. GOODEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the United States and congratulate him on receiving the distinguished Templeton Prize.

As the head of the Orthodox Christian Church, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is the spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, having faithfully served in this role since October 1991. Throughout his tenure, he has reached across borders and barriers to build peace and reconciliation among diverse faiths and nations. He has convened conferences with Jewish and Muslim leaders, strengthened Christian-Muslim relations, and championed environmental issues worldwide. Because of this work, he is endearingly known as the ``Bridge Builder and Patriarch of Peace.''

His All-Holiness's commitment to interfaith harmony, human rights, and global peace exemplifies the highest levels of compassion and unity. We are honored by his visit to the United States and are grateful for his dedication to peace and unity. May his legacy, humility, and love for all people continue shining light toward a more just and peaceful world.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source