Recognizing the Visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew

Floor Speech

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Mrs. McIVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend a warm welcome to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, an esteemed leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, upon his visit to the United States.

For more than three decades, Patriarch Bartholomew has stood as a moral voice in times of global challenge. When Europe faced the refugee crisis, he joined hands with Pope Francis to affirm the dignity and humanity of those fleeing Syria, Africa, and beyond in search of safety and a better life. In an increasingly divided world, he has worked tirelessly to build bridges--fostering interfaith dialogue among Christians, Jews, Muslims, and people of all faith traditions. As the global climate crisis deepens, he has reminded us that creation itself is a sacred trust, urging us to honor and protect the natural world with which God has blessed us. For this leadership, he is being awarded the prestigious Templeton Prize during his visit.

Patriarch Bartholomew's spiritual guidance has inspired Orthodox Christians across the globe. In my own district, he has been a shepherd to the congregation of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union, New Jersey. Under his leadership, the St. Demetrios community has flourished as an example of faith in action--welcoming neighbors from every walk of life to their Annual Greek Cultural Festival and offering vital community services year-round.

It is therefore my great honor to join my constituents and colleagues in welcoming His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, to our Nation. We are confident that his visit will be both meaningful and successful.

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