The US State Department expressed support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate, - media

Representatives of the State Department at a meeting with Patriarch Bartholomew. Photo: Orthodox Times

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On September 16, 2025, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Michael J. Rigas, at a dinner in Washington organized in honor of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, according to Orthodox Times, declared strong support for the Patriarchate from the American government.

In his speech, Michael Rigas called the Patriarch not only a spiritual leader but also a partner in promoting religious freedom.

Rigas presented religious freedom as a fundamental American principle, rooted in the arrival of the pilgrims in 1620 and enshrined in the First Amendment to the Constitution. According to Rigas, religious freedom is the "first freedom" of U.S. citizens.

The Deputy Secretary of State recounted two stories from Orthodox history. The first is about the baptism of Prince Vladimir of Kyiv in 988 after his envoys reported the otherworldly beauty of Constantinople's Hagia Sophia.

The second is about Philip Ludwell III, a colonial Virginian, friend of Benjamin Franklin and George Washington, who in 1738 became the first American to embrace Orthodoxy and secretly translated church texts into English.

Rigas then addressed contemporary challenges, mentioning religious communities facing persecution, displacement, and restrictions on worship worldwide.

"Religious freedom is not a privilege but a universal right," he said, promising that the U.S. will remain "steadfast" in confronting threats through diplomacy and international partnerships.

"As Scripture says: blessed are the peacemakers," Rigas concluded, addressing the Ecumenical Patriarch directly. "I look forward to working with you in advancing the cause of religious freedom and the cause of peace in the world."

In turn, Patriarch Bartholomew addressed diplomats, ambassadors, clergy, and public representatives with a warning about the dangers of nationalism in religion.

He emphasized that the Church should not reinforce political or national borders, and its mission is to unite people in dialogue and mutual respect. "We are called to strive for the Kingdom of God, not earthly kingdoms, no matter how appealing they may seem," said the Primate.

In his address, Bartholomew also noted that the Ecumenical Patriarchate is a spiritual organization above national interests. He urged religious leaders to open spaces for dialogue and reconciliation. "All the world's religions teach the value of every person. We must practice acceptance, not rejection," added the Patriarch, reminding of the 1700th anniversary of the Council of Nicaea and its message of human unity.

The meeting was also attended by Archbishop Elpidophoros, hierarchs of the Orthodox Church in the USA, ambassadors, and public figures. Concluding his speech, Patriarch Bartholomew offered a blessing: "May God bless you abundantly, and may God bless America."

Earlier, the UOJ reported that in the White House, Patriarch Bartholomew praised Trump for his efforts towards peace in Ukraine.

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