Recognizing the Accomplishments of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Floor Speech

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Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I join the global community in celebrating the remarkable achievements of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, which now include the 2025 Templeton Prize.

Patriarch Bartholomew has long been a voice of spiritual clarity and moral courage. His leadership in advancing interfaith dialogue, human rights, and especially environmental stewardship, has earned him the nickname ``The Green Patriarch.'' The Templeton Prize recognizes his decades of work urging the world to see care for creation not just as policy, but as a sacred duty.

In Riverside, we are blessed with a vibrant Orthodox Christian community. Parishes such as Saint Andrew Orthodox Church remind us of the enduring presence of Eastern Orthodox faith in Southern California. These communities embody the values Patriarch Bartholomew champions-- reverence, beauty, responsibility, and peace.

His visit to our Nation's capital is not just a symbolic moment; it is an opportunity for our country to honor a global religious leader who is known for his phrase: ``War in the name of religion is war against religion.''

On behalf of Riverside, I extend congratulations to His All-Holiness. May his work continue to inspire, and may our communities reflect his vision of faith in action.

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