In a notable meeting that took place in Washington, D.C., Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), a key member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the bipartisan Hellenic Caucus, was granted the opportunity to meet His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who is revered as the spiritual leader for Eastern Orthodox Christians worldwide and especially regarded as a symbol of resilience in the face of persistent adversity, particularly from Islamic extremists and other entities that perpetuate the persecution of Christians. According to a press release from Rep. Chris Smith's Office, the Congressman spoke highly of the Ecumenical Patriarch, stating, "I had the immense honor of meeting with His All-Holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, who has boldly, humbly, and faithfully led the Eastern Orthodox Church for more than three decades."
The same press release detailed Smith's praise for Bartholomew's leadership, which has been characterized by Christian virtues like forgiveness, humility, and love—qualities that resonate with the mission of the Apostle Andrew, founder of the ancient Patriarchate Bartholomew represents; his tenure as 'first among equals' began in 1991, and he's faced unrelenting harassment and threats yet remained remarkably resolute, promoting Christian values and religious freedom globally. Smith, the author of numerous pieces of legislation aimed at expanding and advancing religious freedom worldwide, underscored this commitment by submitting a tribute to His All-Holiness in the Congressional Record, the official proceedings and debates of the United States Congress.
During his heartfelt address documented in the Congressional Record, Smith, according to a statement on his website, recognized Patriarch Bartholomew’s difficult path, "He was born Demetrios Arhondonis in 1940 on the island of Imvros in Turkey – most inhabitants of Imvros were Greek until the 1960s, when the Turkish government forced them to emigrate." The press release from Rep. Chris Smith's Office continues to trace Bartholomew’s early life and education before ascending to his role as the 270th Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch in 1991, a tenure marked by his dedication to interreligious dialogue, peacemaking efforts in Middle Eastern conflicts, environmental advocacy earning him the moniker "Green Patriarch," and work towards Orthodox unity while fostering talks with the Catholic Church and other Christian denominations.
