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Ecumenical Patriarchate - November 5, 1997

Remarks Delivered By His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew
On His Arrival At The Airport Of San Francisco

Your Eminence, beloved brother in Christ, Archbishop Spyridon of America,
Your Grace, beloved brother in Christ, Bishop Anthony of San Francisco,
Honored guests and friends,
Beloved children in the Lord,

In the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we greet you with a salutation of love and honor. We bring to you the eternal blessings of the Mother Church, the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, the Apostolic Throne of Saint Andrew. This visit to one of the most resplendent and magnificent cities gives rise to great joy in our heart. The beauty that emanates from this city is full of cultural diversity, and a rich and colorful history; a unique, intangible beauty that can only be found in gracious and authentic friendship, the characteristic hallmark of San Francisco.

A fever for gold once possessed this city in its early years, but now there is a burning desire to discover the spiritual gold imbedded in the one Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church, which offers the soul the riches of truth, joy peace and spiritual liberty. This desire is aflame in the hearts of many Americans of this region who have converted to Orthodox Christianity, and others who have yet to discover the faith.

So today, we visit you in this magnificent city, in the spirit of unity for our ever-growing Orthodox family and indeed for the entire family of man. For the Orthodox Church does not divide world, but unites it. The Church feels that all people are Her children, irrespective of their faith or country. The Church loves everyone with the love of Christ, Who was crucified for the whole world. We are coming to your beautiful city with friendship and love for everyone, Orthodox and non-Orthodox, for we know of your own affection and love for us. We are coming to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. Our heart is full of great joy as we meet this blessed day, and consider the fruits of our fellowship. We desire with all our heart that our ties in Christ be strengthened.

We thank you for this honorable and warm welcome.
May our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ bestow upon you his abundant blessings. Amen.

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