Welcoming Bishop Mar Awa Royel

Floor Speech

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Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor today to introduce to the House our guest chaplain, Bishop Mar Awa Royel.

Bishop Royel currently presides over the Holy Apostolic Catholic Assyrian Church of the East's Diocese of California and serves as Secretary of the Holy Synod. He was consecrated as a Bishop in 2008 and is the first American-born Bishop of the Assyrian Church of the East.

Bishop Royel is one of five trustees of the Assyrian Church of the East Relief Organization. He is also the president of the Commission on Inter-Church Relations and Educational Development.

I have been honored to know Bishop Royel and work with him to help raise awareness of the plight of Assyrians in the Middle East who are facing unspeakable violence and persecution. Many Central Valley residents have family members who are suffering under ISIL's campaign of terror. I am thankful for Bishop Royel's efforts. Bishop Royel is a gifted speaker, esteemed author, and leader of California's large and faithful Assyrian community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in welcoming him today. We thank him for offering this afternoon's opening prayer in the United States House of Representatives.

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