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

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. THANEDAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople, the leader for Orthodox Christianity worldwide, who is here in Washington, D.C. after accepting the distinguished Templeton Prize earlier this year.

The Templeton Prize is awarded to those who demonstrate exemplary philanthropic contributions. His relentless leadership has been recognized by a variety of organizations such as the United Nations, UNESCO, and the World Economic Forum. He has also dedicated his time serving on the Executive and Central Committees and Faith and Order Commission of the World Council of Churches.

Patriarch Bartholomew has a focus on creating advocacy for environmental issues and in his time launched a series of initiatives to help start conversations worldwide. Among these initiatives were a variety of trips with political leaders and accredited scientists discussing issues such as water pollution in the Black Sea, for which he went on to receive Norway's Sophie prize in 2002.

Michigan's 13th Congressional District has a beautiful community of Greek Orthodox constituents at St. George Greek Orthodox Church and Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral. They continuously work to create welcoming spaces in our community by hosting celebrations such as festivals, luncheons, and more. I am honored to keep my constituents in mind as we welcome Patriarch Bartholomew in Washington, D.C.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source