Text of Letter from OCL

We were disappointed that you ultimately supported the Ecumenical Patriarch’s decision to break communion with the Orthodox Church of Greece but encouraged, as reported in the National Herald, by your strong opposition to this unfortunate action. Because of your principled dissent, we ask that you make every effort to reverse this disproportionate and ill-advised severance with the Church of Greece.

It has bitterly divided the faithful both in Greece and worldwide and has thrust Orthodoxy into a cauldron of dissention and disunity. The dispute between Athens and the Phanar has also divided our community here in America already affected by the Patriarchate’s continuing disregard for the integrity of our own Archdiocese. This situation has now been aggravated by the Patriarchate’s break in relations with the Greek Church, contributing to further disharmony.

These perilous times call for a leadership of conciliation, prudence and wisdom which we believe you can bring to bear on this serious matter. If this rift remains unresolved, confidence in the Ecumenical Patriarchate will continue to dwindle and the Church’s mission undermined. We pray that God will give you the strength in your historic and unique role as a member of the Holy and Sacred synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to alleviate this grievous situation and restore peace and harmony to our Holy Orthodox Church.

Yours in Christ,

Peter Haikalis, PhD
President
Orthodox Christian Laity

Cc: Mr. Michael Jaharis, Vice Chair Archdiocesan Council

Home • Archives • Search • Submissions • Support Us

This Online Newsletter is partially funded by a grant from the Virginia H Farah Foundation

Orthodox News, PO BOX 6954
WEST PALM BEACH FL 33405-6954
USA

Phone: (517) 522-3656
Fax: (517) 522-5907