[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 16, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E863]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING HIS ALL-HOLINESS BARTHOLOMEW, ARCHBISHOP OF CONSTANTINOPLE 
                        AND ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 16, 2025

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of His All-Holiness 
Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch, as 
he visits the United States to receive the Templeton Prize.
  Born Demetrios Arhondonis on the island of Imvros, known today as 
Gokceada, Turkey, Patriarch Bartholomew was elected the 270th 
Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch in October 1991. 
Today he leads a community of 300 million Orthodox Christians and is 
the longest serving archbishop in the church's 2,000-year history. 
Patriarch Bartholomew pursued theological studies in Istanbul, Rome, 
Switzerland, Germany, and Greece, earning a doctorate in Canon law. 
Recognized for his scholarship and global perspective, he has received 
honorary doctorates from leading institutions across the world.
  Throughout his time as Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew has worked 
to build unity among the Christian churches and foster meaningful 
dialogue between world religions. He has convened many international 
conferences, bringing together religious leaders from across the globe 
to promote coexistence and tolerance. Known as the ``Green Patriarch,'' 
Patriarch Bartholomew has brought significant attention to ecological 
concerns, organizing global, interfaith symposia on climate change and 
ecological responsibility. For his environmental leadership, he has 
received numerous awards and international recognition.
  Patriarch Bartholomew has addressed the United Nations, the European 
Parliament, and the World Economic Forum, earning accolades from around 
the world. In recognition of his global contributions, he received the 
Congressional Gold Medal in 1997. In September 2025, Patriarch 
Bartholomew will travel to the U.S. to receive the Templeton Prize, one 
the most prestigious awards recognizing those who use the power of 
science to explore the deepest questions of the universe and 
humankind's place and purpose within it. Previous recipients include 
St. Teresa of Kolkata and the Dalai Lama.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to celebrate the work of His All-Holiness 
Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople and Ecumenical Patriarch, and 
I ask that my colleagues join me in welcoming him to Washington, D.C. 
and thanking him for his ongoing commitment to advancing peace and 
religious freedom.

                          ____________________