The Colorado state Senate and House of Representatives unanimously adopted today a resolution in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate. With this action, the Colorado Senate and House join 35 other states that have adopted similar resolutions of support.

The resolution, sponsored by Representatives Lois Court, John Kefalas and Senators Joyce Foster and Nancy Spence, calls on the Turkish government to discontinue a number of discriminatory policies directed at the Ecumenical Patriarchate, threatening the existence of this almost 2,000 year old Holy See of Christianity.

With the blessings of Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver, the effort in Colorado was led by Dr. Gregory G. Papadeas, Regional Commander of the Archons, Order of St. Andrew the Apostle of the 10th district.

Representative Kefalas stated, “As the only Greek-American in the Colorado General Assembly, I am honored to support the Greek-Orthodox community and this legislative resolution that speaks to the importance of upholding religious freedom.” 

Metropolitan Isaiah was honored by offering the opening prayer to begin the legislative day.  He commented, “Our heritage has always supported religious freedom for individuals.  On that basis, we would like to also see religious freedom for our spiritual leader in Istanbul, Turkey!”

Dr. Papadeas remarked, “During this season of Great and Holy Lent, this is an important statement on behalf and in defense of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and for all religious minorities living in Turkey!”

The Colorado resolution initiative is part of the national State Religious Freedom Resolution project of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle, Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in America.

The goal of this project, which represents one component of the overall, multi-faceted religious freedom initiative, is the adoption of religious freedom resolutions in support of the Ecumenical Patriarchate in every state legislature. This project is an ongoing effort of the Order of Saint Andrew and represents an important part of the governmental and public affairs strategy of the Religious Freedom Initiative.

For further information, contact Dr. Anthony J. Limberakis, MD, National Commander of the Order of Saint Andrew the Apostle at ajl@bustletonradiology.com Also visit archons.org/resolutions for resolution updates for each state.