Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew arrived in Washington, DC this evening, September 14, 2025, for his eighth Apostolic Visit to the United States. He was officially welcomed at the airport by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America and Rev. Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne Alexander Karloutsos.
Following, an informal welcome was held where he was greeted by His Eminence Metropolitan Apostolos of New Jersey; Bishop Athenagoras of Nazianzos; Bishop Nektarios of Diokleia; Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, including National Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis and National Vice Commander of the Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate The Hon. B. Theodore Bozonelis; hotel management; and clergy and faithful from the area, including young adults.
This Apostolic Visit of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew follows the announcement by the John Templeton Foundation, the Templeton World Charity Foundation, and the Templeton Religion Trust awarding the prestigious, internationally renowned Templeton Prize to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. The award, scheduled to be presented on September 24 in New York City, honors the Ecumenical 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.”
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew will spend 12 days in the United States, visiting Washington, DC, New York City, and Southampton, Long Island. While in Washington, he is scheduled to meet with President Donald J. Trump, attend dinners in his honor hosted by Speaker of the House Michael Johnson, Congressman Gus M. Bilirakis, and Deputy Secretary of State Michael J. Rigas.
He will also attend events hosted by Sedat Önal, Ambassador of Türkiye to the United States, and a luncheon in his honor hosted by Her Excellency Ekaterini Nassika, Ambassador of Greece to the United States. His itinerary also includes a visit to Arlington National Cemetery, where he will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
On Wednesday, September 17, 2025, all faithful are invited to attend a Welcome Doxology and receive a Blessing of the Faithful from Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at Saint Katherine’s Greek Orthodox Church in Falls Church, Virginia, for the Greater Washington, D.C. area.
Photos by Orthodox Observer/Brittainy Newman
