[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 153 (Thursday, September 18, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E879]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING HIS ALL-HOLINESS BARTHOLOMEW

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GRACE MENG

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2025

  Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor His All-Holiness 
Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, on his visit to 
Washington, D.C., and his reception of the Templeton Prize in New York 
City.
  Patriarch Bartholomew has served since 1991 as the spiritual leader 
of more than 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide, including many 
from the Greek Orthodox community from Queens, New York, whom I am 
proud to represent. Known as ``first among equals'' among the Primates 
of the Orthodox Church, he carries forward a tradition that reaches 
back nearly two thousand years to the Apostle Andrew.
  Throughout his ministry, he has been a champion of religious freedom, 
human rights, and interfaith dialogue. He has worked to build bridges 
between Christians, Jews, and Muslims, and has consistently spoken out 
for peace.
  He is also recognized as the ``Green Patriarch'' for his leadership 
in addressing climate change and environmental destruction, which he 
has called a sin against God's creation. His efforts have brought 
together scientists, world leaders, and faith communities to safeguard 
our planet.
  The Ecumenical Patriarch is no stranger to this Capitol. In 1997, he 
received the Congressional Gold Medal under this very dome. As he 
visits Congress once again, we honor his lifetime of service as a 
peacemaker and a bridge-builder for our world.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing His All-
Holiness Bartholomew, a voice of faith, hope, and reconciliation for 
our time.

                          ____________________