[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 17, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S6684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               WELCOMING ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW

  Mr. KELLY. Mr. President, I rise today to welcome His All-Holiness 
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to Washington, DC. He is the spiritual 
leader of Orthodox Christianity, the second largest Christian Church in 
the world, with more than 250 million members worldwide and over 1 
million here in the United States.
  His All-Holiness is the 269th successor of the Apostle Andrew and the 
longest serving Ecumenical Patriarch in history. He is recognized 
across the globe for his leadership in promoting peace, advancing 
religious freedom, and speaking out on environmental stewardship. He 
has been honored with the Congressional Gold Medal and will receive the 
Templeton Prize during this visit.
  In Arizona, the Greek Orthodox community is an important part of our 
State's civic and cultural life. Parishes across the State serve as 
places of worship, education, and service, and they host traditions 
that strengthen families and connect generations. Their contributions 
are an important part of Arizona's diversity and character.
  I am proud to join Orthodox Christians in Arizona and across the 
country in welcoming His All-Holiness to the United States and to 
Congress. His visit is a point of pride for many Arizonans and a 
reminder of the shared values of faith, service, and community that 
strengthen our country.

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