Washington, D.C. — September 15, 2025- His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrived in Washington, D.C., on Sunday evening, marking the start of his eighth Apostolic Visit to the United States. The historic visit will include meetings with U.S. government leaders, spiritual gatherings with the faithful, and the acceptance of the internationally renowned Templeton Prize in New York City later this month.
Upon his arrival at Washington’s airport, Abbey Jones, Deputy Chief of Protocol of the United States, officially welcomed His All-Holiness on behalf of President Donald J. Trump, alongside Deputy Secretary of State Michael J. Rigas.
Representing the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America greeted the Ecumenical Patriarch with heartfelt words of welcome.
Also present to offer greetings were Ekaterini Nassika, Ambassador of Greece to the United States; Murat Uğurluoğlu, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Turkish Embassy; and Rev. Protopresbyter Alexander Karloutsos, Spiritual Advisor of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
A Warm Reception from Hierarchs and Archons
Joining in the welcome ceremony were His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey, His Grace Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos, and His Grace Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia.
The Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate were represented by Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, National Commander, and The Hon. B. Theodore Bozonelis, National Vice Commander, who greeted His All-Holiness on behalf of the Order.
Templeton Prize Ceremony and U.S. Tour
During this Apostolic Visit, His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will be honored with the prestigious Templeton Prize, which will be presented on September 24, 2025, in New York City. The Templeton Prize recognizes the Patriarch’s “pioneering efforts to bridge scientific and spiritual understandings of humanity’s relationship with the natural world, bringing together people of different faiths to heed a call for stewardship of creation.”
In addition to Washington, His All-Holiness will visit New York City and Southampton, Long Island, where he will meet with President Trump, Speaker of the House Michael Johnson, Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis, Ambassadors of Greece and Turkey, and other prominent national leaders.
The Ecumenical Patriarch will also pay tribute to fallen heroes by visiting Arlington National Cemetery and laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Invitation to the Faithful
The faithful are invited to attend a Welcome Doxology and receive a Blessing of the Faithful from His All-Holiness on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at Saint Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, Virginia.
This Apostolic Visit serves as a profound reminder of the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s enduring spiritual leadership, its call to unity, and its mission to inspire global dialogue, faith, and stewardship.
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