[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 149 (Thursday, September 11, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S6571]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               WELCOMING ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge the visit 
of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople to Washington, 
DC.
  The Patriarch is the spiritual leader of 300 million Orthodox 
Christians worldwide, including many of my constituents who worship at 
churches like the Cathedral of the Annunciation in Baltimore and Saints 
Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church here in Washington.
  Over the course of decades of service and leadership, the Ecumenical 
Patriarch Bartholomew has refused to let storms of persecution and 
violence extinguish the light of his faith and the values he holds 
dear. From his unique position in Istanbul--the ancient city that 
bridges Europe and Asia--he has been one of our world's greatest 
bridge-builders. He promotes religious tolerance, from reconciliation 
with the Roman Catholic Church to interfaith dialogue among Muslims, 
Christians, and Jews, and peace between nations. He is also rightly 
known as the ``Green Patriarch'' for his pioneering work to protect our 
environment, the common home we share.
  This Sunday, the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrives in our 
region to accept the prestigious Templeton Prize for his spiritual 
leadership, joining the ranks of past prizewinners like Mother Teresa 
and the Dalai Llama, and we are glad to have him here. In these 
dangerous, divisive times--when religious liberty and human rights are 
under threat around the globe--his presence could not be more timely.
  When Congress awarded the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew the 
Congressional Gold Medal in 1997, he delivered an address that still 
resonates today. He reminded us that ``The greatest lesson about 
America lies under this magnificent dome . . . The Pentagon embodies 
might, but the Capitol embodies right. In these halls, different points 
of view meet and are reconciled. In these halls, narrow interests are 
compromised for the greater good. And, most important to the Orthodox 
Church during many dark decades, in these halls, human rights are 
preserved and human dignity is enhanced.''
  We must remember those words and his unwavering commitment to peace 
today. I congratulate the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for the 
recognition and welcome him to the United States.

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