Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney Meets with Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople

The two leaders discussed working together to improve the relationship between the Turkish government and the Eastern Orthodox Church and to reclaim long-confiscated Church lands, some of which have already been returned.

He also thanked Congresswoman Maloney again for her leadership in the successful effort to bestow a Congressional Gold Medal on His Holiness.

“It was a great honor to meet with such a beloved spiritual leader. Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I is a guide for so many in the communities I am proud to represent, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with him in person,” Congresswoman Maloney said. “I was particularly pleased to discuss ways that I can continue to serve members of the Eastern Orthodox community, including efforts to urge the Turkish Government to return confiscated Church property,” she said.

Background:
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew is one of the world's preeminent spiritual leaders and peacemakers, representing more than 300 million Orthodox Christians worldwide.

The founder and Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Caucus, Congresswoman Maloney introduced a House Resolution (H. Res 180) in March that calls on Turkey to respect the rights and religious freedoms of the Ecumenical Patriarchate.

Congresswoman Maloney was also a co-sponsor of Public Law 105-51, which authorized the naming of Patriarch Bartholomew as a recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal, America’s highest civilian award, in 1997.

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