Senator Helmy Welcomes H.G. Bishop David as Guest Chaplin to Deliver Senate Opening Prayer

First Member of the Coptic Church to Deliver Opening Prayer in United States Senate History

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator George Helmy (D-NJ), the first Coptic Christian to serve in the United States Senate, today welcomed His Grace Bishop David of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of New York and New England to offer the opening prayer on the Senate Floor. H.G. Bishop David is the first guest Chaplin of the Coptic Orthodox Church to give the opening prayer in United States Senate history. 

“As the first ever Coptic Christian United States Senator, it was my honor to welcome His Grace Bishop David as guest Chaplin to provide the opening prayer this morning,” saidSenator Helmy. “I am forever grateful for the opportunity to shine a light on my faith, which has had a heavy influence on me from a young age. As the child of two immigrants from Egypt, and the only Arab American Senator in the 118^th United States Congress, it is so important to me expose others to my culture. I thank my colleagues for allowing me this honor and for the warm reception of the Bishop.”

“It’s truly a privilege to offer prayer on behalf of our exceptional nation, asking for God to be the One who blesses this gathering and guides the decisions made here on behalf of the American people for their prosperity and well-being. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity to offer this opening prayer as a Coptic Orthodox bishop for the first time in the history of the senate,” said H.G. Bishop David. “May we always seek God’s presence and rely on His sovereignty and love for all mankind as we indeed reflect His image on earth.”

U.S. Senators have the opportunity to invite faith leaders from their home states to serve as guest Chaplin’s, delivering the opening prayer to mark the Senate’s daily proceedings.According to Senate records, this tradition dates back to at least 1857.

To watch the H.G. Bishop David’s full prayer, click here.