[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 153 (Thursday, September 18, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E876]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE VISIT OF ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW

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                          HON. LaMONICA McIVER

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2025

  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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