A reception in honor of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was held in Washington this week, drawing senior U.S. officials, Greek and Cypriot diplomats, and members of the Greek-American community.
The event featured remarks by House Speaker Mike Johnson, who was introduced by Representative Gus Bilirakis, Republican of Florida, the co-chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus.
Mr. Johnson, who had welcomed the Patriarch earlier at the Capitol, recalled his longstanding ties with the Greek diaspora in his home state of Louisiana. Calling the occasion “personally meaningful,” he praised Bartholomew as “an outstanding personality,” and noted that the Patriarch had previously been awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by then-Speaker Newt Gingrich, calling it the highest distinction recognizing his ministry.
The Speaker went on to stress the Orthodox Church’s role in preserving what he called the “timeless truths” on which the United States was founded. He argued that the nation was in need of “spiritual renewal,” something, he said, that leaders like the Ecumenical Patriarch could help foster.
Bartholomew, in turn, paid tribute to the Greek Orthodox faithful in America, describing them as central to the story of immigration and opportunity in the United States. “The realization of the American dream is reflected in the faces of this community,” he said, adding that the Church’s presence had been “catalytic,” helping fellow citizens reach “their highest potential.”
The reception drew a wide range of officials and dignitaries, including Representative Nicole Malliotakis, Republican of New York; Representative Jimmy Patronis, Republican of Florida; Deputy Secretary of State Michael Rigas; Kimberly Guilfoyle, President Trump’s nominee to be ambassador to Greece; former Representative John Sarbanes; and officials from the National Energy Dominance Council. Guilfoyle also spoke briefly with Alexandra Papadopoulou, Greece’s deputy foreign minister, noting that she was familiar with her work and offering words of praise.
Greek officials present included Vassilis Kikilias, the minister of shipping; Alexandra Papadopoulou, the deputy foreign minister; and Ekaterini Nasika, Greece’s ambassador to the United States. Also attending were Evangelos Savvas, the ambassador of Cyprus, and leaders of major Greek-American organizations.
