Biden hosts Patriarch
WASHINGTON (ANA-MPA - A. Ellis) U.S. Vice-president Joe Biden gave an official dinner for Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew at the vice-presidential mansion here late on Friday, during which he expressed support for the Ecumenical Patriarchate and his respect for the Patriarch himself. "We are with you and support the Ecumenical Patriarch as a leader of global standing," Biden stated in a speech at the dinner, praising Bartholomew's unflagging courage in the face of difficulties. "It is easy to be brave from a safe distance,” the Vice President said to Bartholomew: “You have always been brave and never from a safe distance. You have stared down those who seek to erode the authority of the Church tirelessly, professing the Greek Orthodox way for millions of followers.” Biden also voiced strong praise for the Patriarch's work on environmental awareness and his important contribution to greater understanding and tolerance between different faiths. During the dinner, the U.S. vice-president and Patriarch Bartholomew discussed at length the problems currently faced by the Patriarchate in Fanar and the need to re-open the Halki School of Theology in order to train Orthodox clergy.