[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 163 (Friday, October 3, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    APPRECIATING THE PRESENCE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF HIS ALL-HOLINESS 
                    ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. HALEY M. STEVENS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 3, 2025

  Ms. STEVENS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude 
towards His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, the 
Archbishop of Constantinople and spiritual leader of Orthodox 
Christianity worldwide, for his time spent in our Nation's Capital last 
week. On behalf of the strong Eastern Orthodox community I represent in 
Michigan's 11th Congressional District, I enthusiastically congratulate 
His All-Holiness on receiving the 2025 Templeton Award.
  This award underscores his ground-breaking environmental advocacy and 
unique ability to merge both scientific and spiritual discourses. His 
All-Holiness has exemplified a sense of responsibility towards coming 
generations: to preserve, protect, and promote the health of the planet 
on which we are honored to live.
  Beyond his environmental advocacy, His All-Holiness has been an 
unwavering pillar in support of intersectionality, working to foster 
relations between devotees of Catholic, Jewish, and Muslim faiths. He 
has been relentless in his pursuit to prevent violence on the basis of 
religion, to ensure the humane treatment of all, and to join hands 
across the world in seeking peace and justice.
  In Oakland County, we are blessed with a thriving Orthodox Christian 
community. As their Representative in Congress, I am thrilled His All-
Holiness joined us in Washington, D.C., last week. His visit reminds us 
to be constantly kind and collaborative, one that is much needed during 
this time.
  Please join me in thanking His All-Holiness for his visit and 
congratulating him on this well-deserved award.

                          ____________________