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Greetings at Capitol Hill Luncheon by Archon Commander Anthony J. Limberakis at the 3rd Archon International Conference on Religious Freedom (December 5, 2017)

GREETINGS AT CAPITOL HILL LUNCHEON

ARCHON COMMANDER ANTHONY J. LIMBERAKIS

3rd Archon International Conference on Religious Freedom

The Persecution of Christians In The Holy Lands & Middle East Consequences and Solutions

Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC
(December 5, 2017 – 12:30 – 1:30 pm)

* * *

Your Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, Exarch of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
Your Eminences and Excellencies,
Senator Cardin,
Congressman Smith,
Distinguished Guests,
Brother Archons,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we gather here in this most magnificent setting of the Capitol complex, the Kennedy Caucus Room, my mind travels back in time to October 21, 1997 – and another magnificent setting – the Capitol Rotunda, and the bestowal of the Congressional Gold Medal on His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. At that time, the United States Congress honored the Ecumenical Patriarch as the “Apostle of Love, Peace, and Hope.” Nothing could be more true.

And that is why we have gathered here today: to bring hope to those who live without hope; to foster peace in places of war and violence; and to do all with love, which is the beginning and end of all things.

On behalf of the Archons of the Great Church of Christ, please accept our deepest thanks for your presence and your participation during these days.

Thank you.


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Quick Facts

  • While about 30 percent of the world’s population identifies as Christian, 80 percent of all acts of religious discrimination are directed at Christians. (Source: International Society for Human Rights)
  • Christians face persecution in more than 60 Countries (U.S. State Department)
  • Millions of Christians face interrogation, arrest, torture, and/or death because of their religious convictions and cultural/ethnic identification (Source: Open Doors USA)
  • Between 2007 and 2014, Christians have been targeted for harassment in more countries than any other religious group. (Pew Research)
  • Christian responses to persecution are almost always nonviolent and, with very few exceptions, do not involve acts of terrorism. (Under Caesar’s Sword)

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Persecution of Christians in the Middle East by Chairman Ed Royce - Remarks as Prepared for Delivery
12/06/2017
It is an honor to be with you tonight to discuss the troubling increase in persecution of Christians around the world, including in the Middle East. The Middle East was the birthplace of Christianity and has been home to millions of believers for generations.
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