[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E800]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





               WELCOMING ECUMENICAL PATRIARCH BARTHOLOMEW

                                 ______
                                 

                 HON. CHARLES J. ``CHUCK'' FLEISCHMANN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 2, 2025

  Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend a warm welcome 
to His All-Holiness Bartholomew, the Ecumenical Patriarch of 
Constantinople and spiritual leader of Orthodox Christianity. 
Recognized as ``First Among Equals'' among Orthodox bishops, he is 
visiting our Nation's Capital to receive the Templeton Prize--the 
world's most prestigious award honoring contributions to religion and 
science.
  As Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, His All-Holiness leads the 
world's second-largest Christian church. Since assuming this role in 
1991, he has earned global respect for his spiritual leadership and 
commitment to peace. Guided by his belief that ``war in the name of 
religion is war against religion,'' Patriarch Bartholomew has built 
strong relationships with religious and political leaders in every 
continent to promote unity among faiths.
  In 1997, Patriarch Bartholomew became the first Ecumenical Patriarch 
to visit the United States, and it is our great pleasure to welcome him 
back as he meets with the President, the Secretary of State, and 
Congress. I recognize and celebrate his lifelong dedication of 
peacemaking and his steadfast efforts to build bridges between East and 
West, Christian and Muslim, and all people of good will. May his 
presence here remind us of our commitment to remain ``One nation under 
God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.''
  I extend my warmest welcome to His All-Holiness and pray that his 
visit will be blessed with success, fellowship, and hope for the future 
of our common humanity.

                          ____________________