Pat. Bartholomew Honors U.S. Traditions, Greek Heritage in Washington Visit

Photo: Archons/Orthodox Observer/J. Mindala

WASHINGTON — Pat. Bartholomew of Constantinople began a full day of engagements Tuesday with a solemn wreath-laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery, accompanied by senior U.S. Army officials and followed by the sounding of “Taps.” He was joined by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, hierarchs from across the country, and members of the Patriarchal delegation.

Later, the Patriarch was hosted separately by the ambassadors of Turkey and Greece, speaking at Dumbarton Oaks about the Patriarchate’s role as a living bearer of Hellenic and Orthodox heritage. “It unites faith with culture, proclaiming the truth of Christ and the freedom of the human being,” he said.

Photo: Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman

The evening brought a grand reception hosted by the Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew Foundation and Archon John S. Koudounis, where Speaker of the House Mike Johnson delivered a keynote reflecting on America’s constitutional foundations, calling for “spiritual renewal" and praising the Orthodox Church for upholding "eternal truths." Pat. Bartholomew, in turn, described the Greek Orthodox presence in the U.S. as a vital contributor to the American dream, closing with a blessing: “God bless America.”

On Capitol Hill on Wednesday, a bipartisan luncheon highlighted parallels between America’s diversity and the Orthodox faith’s universality. His Holiness also visited St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, Virginia, where children in traditional dress greeted him with flowers and flags before a Doxology service marking his first parish stop of this Apostolic Visit.

Photo: Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman

Pat. Bartholomew's visit continues today in New York, where he will remain for the rest of his trip which will culminate in his receipt of the Templeton Prize. A full schedule for the patriarchal visit can be seen here.

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