Recognizing and Welcoming His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Washington, D.C.

Floor Speech

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Ms. LEE of Nevada. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome His All- Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Washington, D.C. He will be in our Nation's Capital this week after visiting New York City, where he will receive the distinguished Templeton Prize. The Templeton Prize was previously received by Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, among others.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is a world-leading advocate for interfaith dialogue and peace. As Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople for nearly 35 years, the Patriarch has taken on the most difficult issues facing the world, whether it's building bridges between East and West, protecting our environment, or fostering dialogue between religious faiths.

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is also an international environmental leader and has earned the title ``Green Patriarch.'' He consistently used his role to bring people of different faiths together to discuss how they could be good stewards of the Earth, and he made caring for the environment a central commitment in his role as spiritual leader. In 1997, the Patriarch even received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest honor awarded by this body.

On behalf of the vibrant Greek Orthodox community in Southern Nevada, I extend my deepest respects to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming him to our Nation's Capital.

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