Welcoming Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Floor Speech

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Mr. KELLY. Mr. President, I rise today to welcome His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Washington, DC. He is the spiritual leader of Orthodox Christianity, the second largest Christian Church in the world, with more than 250 million members worldwide and over 1 million here in the United States.

His All-Holiness is the 269th successor of the Apostle Andrew and the longest serving Ecumenical Patriarch in history. He is recognized across the globe for his leadership in promoting peace, advancing religious freedom, and speaking out on environmental stewardship. He has been honored with the Congressional Gold Medal and will receive the Templeton Prize during this visit.

In Arizona, the Greek Orthodox community is an important part of our State's civic and cultural life. Parishes across the State serve as places of worship, education, and service, and they host traditions that strengthen families and connect generations. Their contributions are an important part of Arizona's diversity and character.

I am proud to join Orthodox Christians in Arizona and across the country in welcoming His All-Holiness to the United States and to Congress. His visit is a point of pride for many Arizonans and a reminder of the shared values of faith, service, and community that strengthen our country.

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