[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 23, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1821]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


  AUTHORIZING USE OF CAPITOL ROTUNDA TO ALLOW MEMBERS OF CONGRESS TO 
             RECEIVE HIS ALL HOLINESS PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. PATRICK J. KENNEDY

                            of rhode island

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 1997

  Mr. KENNEDY of Rhode Island. Mr. Speaker, I submit this statement in 
support of House Concurrent Resolution 134 authorizing the use of the 
Capitol rotunda for a ceremony for His All Holiness Ecumenical 
Patriarch Bartholomew, the 270th Archbishop of Constantinople and new 
Rome on October 21, 1997, from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.
  The Ecumenical Patriarch occupies the foremost position among the 
National Autocephalos Orthodox Churches worldwide and has the 
responsibility to coordinate the affairs of the Russian, Eastern 
Europe, Middle, and Far Eastern churches. Worldwide, the Patriarch is 
the spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox Christians of which 5 
million reside in the United States.
  Therefore, it is important that Members of Congress, as leaders of a 
nation that was built on religious freedom and tolerance, have an 
opportunity to receive and honor one of the world's preeminent 
religious leaders. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew not only promotes 
peace and religious understanding throughout the world, but he is also 
profoundly committed to preserving and protecting the environment. 
Today, as the 270th successor to Apostle Andrew, His All Holiness 
continues efforts on behalf of religious freedom and human rights.
  In closing support, is an expression of appreciation to the members 
of the Hellenic Caucus for their advocacy of this resolution as well as 
H.R. 2248, the recommendation to award the Patriarch with a 
Congressional Gold Medal, of which I am a proud cosponsor. H.R. 134 as 
introduced by Bilirakis from Florida, is a measure which provide the 
occasion to receive such an individual of high character and moral 
standing as His All Holiness in a manner befiting their rank and title.

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