The Office of the Chaplain United States House of Representatives

Most Reverend Stephan F. Petrovich

Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox Church in the U.S.A
NY

Sponsor: Rep. Rep. John Baldacci, (D-ME)
Date of Prayer: 04/26/2001

One Minute Speech Given in Recognition of the Guest Chaplain:

Mr. BALDACCI. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to welcome His Beatitude, Metropolitan Stephan to the United States House of Representatives and to thank him for offering a very thoughtful prayer this morning. I appreciate his willingness to visit Congress and share those meaningful words with Members of the House.

Despite his distinguished position as the highest ranking official of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church in the United States, Metropolitan Stephan is widely recognized for his great humility in connection to the people he serves. His leadership in bringing people of diverse economic, social, and political backgrounds together in fellowship has made a positive difference in the lives of many Americans.

In addition to his services, Metropolitan Stephan has served our Nation in many other ways. A Vietnam veteran, His Beatitude has founded and supported a number of charitable organizations, including a health care program for seriously ill individuals, and efforts to supply humanitarian assistance to the people of Ukraine.

On behalf of my colleagues, I thank Metropolitan Stephan for joining us today and wish him the very best during his visit to Washington.

Opening Prayer Given by the Guest Chaplain:

All powerful God, You know the hearts of all people and guide all things under Your powerful protection. Help us to always acknowledge Your greatness in comparison to our own human frailty and guide us as we continue to work to make Your will to be done on this Earth.

Bless our Nation which is founded on trust in You. Make us always grateful for the freedoms and blessings we enjoy in this great land of prosperity and mindful of the principles of liberty and justice for all, which our founding fathers and mothers have instilled in us.

In Your divine mercy, guide our Nation's leaders, our elected officials and especially these men and women here today, always keeping in mind these awesome principles upon which our country is founded, never to forget that You call us all not to work for self–glory but to serve the greater good and always make them worthy of the work entrusted to them.

We ask You, O God, to give us the courage to work for peace in the whole world, that the example we give may lead others to sincerely desire the furtherance of the right to the pursuit of happiness for all humankind.

Amen.

To learn more about Members who have sponsored a Guest Chaplain, please visit the Congressional Biographical Directory