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)
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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.