An official dinner in honor of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew was hosted by US Deputy Secretary of State Michael Regas at the State Department. Speaking to an audience that included American officials, ambassadors and diaspora representatives, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew issued a warning about the rise of nationalism, emphasizing the importance of interfaith dialogue and mutual respect.
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew: Warning against the rise of nationalism
The Patriarch emphasized that the Church’s mission is to transcend national boundaries and foster the dignity of every human being. “The Orthodox Church does not embrace ethnophyletism as a policy, even when some of our sister Churches have done so,” he noted, stressing that true religion is called to unite rather than divide.
The dinner was attended by Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, US hierarchs, Greek Ambassador to Washington Ekaterini Nasika, US Ambassador-designate to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, as well as prominent figures from the diaspora.
Michael Regas: Religious freedom is not a privilege, but a universal right
For his part, Deputy Secretary of State Michael Regas praised the Patriarch as a spiritual leader and companion in defending religious freedom. He emphasized that protecting faith is a fundamental principle of American democracy, enshrined in the First Amendment, and committed that the United States will continue to defend the right to worship globally.
Mr. Regas also referenced historic moments connecting Orthodoxy with the United States, including the conversion of Philip Ludwell III, who in 1738 became the first American to embrace Orthodoxy. Turning to contemporary challenges, the American official spoke about religious communities facing persecution and restrictions on worship in various parts of the world. “Religious freedom is not a privilege, but a universal right,” he stated, committing that the US will continue to defend this right through diplomacy and international cooperation.
“As the Gospel says, blessed are the peacemakers,” Mr. Regas concluded, expressing hope for close cooperation with the Ecumenical Patriarchate in promoting peace.
Ecumenical Patriarch’s presence at Arlington
The Ecumenical Patriarch visited Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday morning, where he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Patriarch watched the ceremonial changing of the guard and, after laying the wreath, taps was played in tribute. He was accompanied by General Andrew Poppas, head of US Armed Forces Command, as well as Karen Durham-Aguilera, executive director of the cemetery.
During the day, the Patriarch attended a breakfast at the residence of Turkish Ambassador to Washington Sedat Onal, while later Greek Ambassador to the US Ekaterini Nasika hosted a lunch in his honor and his delegation’s at the historic Dumbarton Oaks.
During the lunch hosted by Ms. Nasika, Patriarch Bartholomew spoke with particular emphasis about the significance of the Greek language and the timeless connection of the Ecumenical Patriarchate with Greek cultural heritage.
As he characteristically stated, “the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the first throne of Orthodoxy, is a living and vital bearer of this precious heritage. It unites faith with culture, proclaiming the truth of Christ and human freedom“.
