Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, welcomed His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew to the U.S. Capitol on Tuesday, October 26, 2021. Mrs. Pelosi hosted a luncheon in honor of the Patriarch and the official delegation.
“We are grateful for this morning’s hospitable meeting between the Ecumenical Patriarch and @SpeakerPelosi. Both agreed about the importance of religious freedom and the need to support developing nations to secure COVID vaccines”, Archbishop Elpidophoros, who was accompanying His All Holiness, said in a tweet.
Elder Metropolitan Emmanuel of Chalcedon was also present.
“As House Speaker, it was an honor to welcome His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew, Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople of the Eastern Orthodox Church, back to the United States Capitol today to offer a blessing for the Congress”, Speaker Pelosi said in a tweet adding that “For three decades, he has offered moral and spiritual leadership on the climate crisis, religious freedom and human rights. His voice will continue to be vital as we build a better future for our children”.
After the meeting, Mrs. Pelosi hosted a bi-partisan luncheon in honor of the Patriarch in the Rayburn Room.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) delivered the welcoming remarks noting that “it is always a joyful occasion to welcome guests to this temple of Democracy—but it is a rare honor and a blessing to welcome the spiritual leader of the world’s Eastern Orthodox Christians”.
He emphasized on His All-Holiness’ work in global environmental advocacy.
“I take His All Holiness’s visit as nothing less than a sign of God’s grace, for as both Houses of Congress work to finalize historic legislation to fight climate change, it is only fitting that “Green Patriarch” himself should pay us a visit!
Throughout your Patriarchal tenure, you have been one of the world’s foremost leaders in environmental stewardship and protecting God’s creation. Today I join my colleagues in thanking you for raising the consciousness of humankind, as you have said, in pursuit of this goal.
Protecting our planet is more important now than ever before. It is an obligation that we all carry and for which we all must answer for. We here in Congress look to your example to guide us as we endeavor to honor that responsibility”.
In closing, he wished His All- Holiness the very best on the trip that includes his home state of New York adding that “we stand ready—with open arms—to welcome you when you return yet again”.
Earlier in the day, His All-Holiness attended an ecumenical reception at the United Methodist Building, hosted by the National Council of Churches. The NCC offered a tribute to the 30th Anniversary of the Ecumenical Patriarch’s Enthronement, presenting him with a special Proclamation and a Pectoral Cross. His All-Holiness delivered an address entitled “The Future of Ecumenical Dialogue.”
