Most Honorable Mayor Kurt Schmoke
Your Eminence and beloved brother in Christ
Archbishop Spyridon of America,
Most Honorable friend of the Ecumenical Patriarchate and
Archon, Senator Paul Sarbanes
Distinguished Officials of the City of Baltimore
Honored guests and friends,
Beloved spiritual children of the Lord,
It is our distinct joy to bring to the City of Baltimore, this historic center of patriotism, commerce and faith for the past two hundred years, the blessings of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, which during the two thousand years of the Christina Era has served as the sacred center of Christianity.
Mr. Mayor, we rejoice to see you again, and are pleased to reciprocate the visit you made to the Phanar, when you traveled from your port city to our own, in order to represent President Clinton at an international habitat conference. We deeply appreciate the magnanimity of your gesture today on behalf of the people of Baltimore, but more than that, we thank you for your spirit of service to the human family, of hope for the future, and of love for all God’s children.
We welcome the love of the people of this City with all our heart, knowing that amidst Baltimore’s remarkable human mosaic, we find the presence and contributions of Orthodox Christian faithful of every background. The Orthodox communities of Baltimore are full partners in the tapestry woven from rich, diverse religious, ethnic and social composites. May this culture which honors the qualities of neighborhood, equality and common purpose continue to flourish under your able leadership.
Today we bring to you the light that shine from the Phanar to the uttermost parts of the earth: the light of love, of peace, of hope for the future – the Light Who enlightens every human person, Jesus Christ. May this light reveal the enduring accomplishment of your faith in righteous governance, just as the morning light revealed the symbol of America’s spirit sailing in the breeze over Fort McHenry.
Beloved Mayor Schmoke, may the Lord bless you, your family, your dedicated co-workers and all the citizens of this City, granting you the knowledge of His peace and His infinite mercy. Amen.
