[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 158 (Friday, September 26, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E901]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING HIS ALL-HOLINESS ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. TIMOTHY M. KENNEDY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 26, 2025

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize His All-
Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who is serving as the two 
hundred and seventieth Archbishop of Constantinople, New Roman and 
Ecumenical Patriarch, and to welcome him to our Nation's Capital of 
Washington, D.C. His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's 
life is a testament to his unwavering commitment as a public servant 
and spiritual leader of more than three hundred million Orthodox 
Christians throughout the globe.
  Born Demetrios Archontonis on February 29, 1940, on the Island of 
Imvros (Gokceada, Turkey) to Christios and Meropi Archontonis, from an 
early age, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew has viewed 
the protection and preservation of the environment as a deeply 
spiritual responsibility. In 1961, following his studies at Imvros and 
Constantinople, he enrolled at the renowned Theological School of 
Halki. He was ordained to the Holy Diaconate on August 13, 1961, and 
given the name Bartholomew at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Imvros by 
his Elder, the then-Metropolitan of Imvros and Tenedos.
  On October 19, 1969, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch 
Bartholomew was ordained to the Holy Priesthood, and later elected 
Ecumenical Patriarch in 1972 as its director. On Christmas Day, 1973, 
His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was consecrated as 
bishop and remained as head of the Personal Patriarchal Office until 
his enthronement as the Metropolitan of Chalcedon on January 14, 1990, 
and later unanimously elected as Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome 
on October 2, 1991.
  For more than three decades, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch 
Bartholomew has traveled throughout the world, addressing global 
audiences and fostering spiritual connections. His leadership and 
theological background provide him with a unique perspective and 
inspire the values of unity, inclusivity, and mutual respect.
  Mr. Speaker, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's 
spiritual leadership is a testament to his dedication to faith and 
public service, which has touched countless lives and made a profound 
impact throughout the globe. His work continues to inspire us all to 
embrace our shared heritage, stand up for the causes that matter, and 
celebrate the power of spiritual connection. His All-Holiness 
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew's commitment to fostering stronger 
global connections reminds us of the importance of service, community, 
and the bonds that unite us across borders, and we are all better for 
it.

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