Tom Carper: “I add a couple of comments to the words of our colleague, Senator Biden, in welcoming Father Christo to the Senate…”

“I add a couple of comments to the words of our colleague, Senator Biden, in welcoming Father Christo to the Senate Chamber today. We are proud of our Constitution. Delaware was the first State to ratify the Constitution of our country. The Constitution calls for separation of church and state. Some people may find, given that as our heritage, it is unusual we begin each of our sessions in the Senate with an opening prayer. Today, we are honored for all in Delaware, for everybody in the Greek community in our State, and everyone in the country, to be able to welcome one of our own to open the Senate in prayer. I am struck by the number of times I talk to people in my State and around the country who say: We pray for you--not just me as an individual but for us as a collective body, as we meet. I always say: We welcome your prayers; keep praying. We certainly need those prayers. I asked my staff to give me a little bit of background on Father, to say a few words. I have 10 pages of accomplishments. What a remarkable tale of accomplishment--and still a young pup. I am honored you are here. Thank you for coming and starting our day on the right foot. I would say to those people from other States, in talking to the Presiding Officer before the session began, he was asking where the Greek Church is in our State.…”