Welcoming His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Floor Speech

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Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize and welcome to Washington, His All-Holiness Bartholomew Archbishop of Constantinople- New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch, the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christianity worldwide. As the Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome, His All-Holiness serves as the spiritual head of the second largest Christian Church in the world.

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was elected in October 1991 as the 270th Archbishop of the 2,000-year-old Church founded by the Apostle Andrew. For more than three decades, he has stood at the forefront of the cause of religious freedom, interfaith dialogue, and peacebuilding, making him the longest-serving Archbishop of Constantinople in the history of Christianity.

Born Demetrios Arhondonis in 1940 on an island in Turkey, His All- Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew pursued theological studies in Rome, Switzerland, Germany, and Greece before joining leadership within the Church. He is fluent in numerous languages and has been recognized by academic institutions worldwide, holding honorary doctorates from universities across Europe, the United States, and beyond.

Throughout his tenure, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has worked to advance religious liberty and human rights, to strengthen ties among Christian denominations, and to build relationships among the Abrahamic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. He has co-sponsored international peace conferences, supported reconciliation in conflict-ridden regions, and spoken out for persecuted groups across the globe.

His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is no stranger to our Nation's Capitol. In 1997, during his first official visit as His All-Holiness, he was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. On that occasion, he reminded us that, ``The Pentagon embodies might, but the Capitol embodies right. In these halls different points of view meet and are reconciled. . . And most important to the Orthodox Church during many dark ages--in these halls human rights are preserved and human dignity is enhanced.''

This week, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will return to Washington as part of his visit to the United States, where he will also receive the distinguished Templeton Prize in New York City, an award previously bestowed upon Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. This honor recognizes his lifelong commitment to faith, peace, and science.

Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that we welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew back to Washington, D.C. and recognize his remarkable contributions as a global religious leader, peacemaker, and advocate for freedom. His presence is a reminder of the enduring values of faith, dialogue, and human dignity.

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