Political Quotes

“I would like to welcome Father Peter Chrisafideis to the United States Senate this morning, and to thank Dr. Ogilvie for graciously extending his hospitality to him. Allowing guest chaplains to open the United States Senate with prayer helps to highlight the important role that clergy of different faiths play throughout the United States--from the largest cities to the smallest towns. It is a statement that we are a nation of men and women for whom spiritual guidance and fulfillment is a vital part of daily life. Our country's spiritual leaders play an indispensable role in helping us to forge a sense of community, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of them for their service. For me personally, growing up, the Greek Orthodox religion was a constant and important presence in my life. My father was a Greek immigrant; my mother, the daughter of immigrants. So, ever since my early childhood, Greek Orthodox religious traditions have been at the center of my upbringing, and have helped shape my beliefs and my life. Father Peter, as he is referred to by his congregation, has been a part of that tradition for me, serving formerly at Holy Trinity Church in Lewiston, Maine, where I am a member of the congregation. In fact, while it's hard for me to believe it could have been that long ago, Father Peter officiated at my own wedding almost exactly ten years ago.”