Archon Reince Priebus, Republican National Committee Chairman, wrote the following letter congratulating His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on the occasion of his twenty-fifth anniversary of enthronement:

October 28, 2016

Your All-Holiness,

I am writing this letter to wish you a most sincere congratulations on your twenty-fifth anniversary as Ecumenical Patriarch. Your steadfast conviction to the Orthodox Church has set an example for Orthodox Christians around the world. As the Bible says, “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:7). Recently, the members of all different religious groups have been plagued by violence, contempt, and divison.

Your inter-religious dialogue, promotion of religious freedom and human rights for the last twenty-five years has provided members of the Christian faith with a steadfast vision of hope. The dedication you have shown in fighting against religious persecution, pushing for the reopening of the Halki Seminary, and the reconciliation among Christian Churches has promoted the Orthodox faith and has set an example that all humans, from world leaders to ordinary members of society, should strive to emulate.

As an Archon of the Order of St. Andrew, I want to express my utmost gratitude for your service and dedication to the Orthodox Church. Your leadership is inspired myself and many others to defend and promote the Orthodox Christian faith and tradition. Again, I wish you congratulations and pray for many more years of success. Axios!

God Bless,

[Signature]

Reince Priebus

Chairman