NEW YORK – Vice President Joe Biden and the Order of St. Andrew the Apostle – Archons of the Ecumenical Patriarchate celebrated their Christian faith, philanthropy, and public and community service at a gathering that packed the ballroom of the New York Hilton and became an exercise in mutual admiration and appreciation.
Archbishop Demetrios of America presided over the annual Archons dinner and presented the Vice President with the The Athenagoras Human Rights Award for 2015.
Biden could not say enough about his lifelong relationship with Greek-Americans who introduced him to their Hellenic heritage and their Greek Orthodox Church and the cherished friendships that has developed with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew though meetings both at the Phanar in Constantinople and in Washington, DC and with Archbishop Demetrios during numerous encounters in the United States.
His acceptance speech was an opportunity for Biden to connect current events with the religious freedom and toleration championed by the Archons around the world and especially in Turkey in the context of the ongoing struggle to protect Ecumenical Patriarchate and the rights of Orthodox Christians in Turkey.
He said protecting religious liberty is a moral imperative that defends society against violent extremists like al-Qaida and the Islamic State, which pervert Islam to justify horrific acts.
Biden said America will be strong as long as it’s a beacon for human rights, and he alluded to that causes’ connection with religious values, which he said are entirely consistent with civic values in the U.S.
Archbishop Demetrios noted the important place of faith in the Vice President’s life, which has brought his face to face with tragedy and danger on numerous occasions. Biden credited his Catholic faith for giving him “refuge and reassurance.”
More to follow.
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