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The Orthodox Christian News Service

In the continuous and collective effort of our Church for a solution to the Macedonian problem, the members of the Holy Eparchial Synod of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America held a telephone conference on Wednesday, November 16, 2004, to discuss the content and the processing of a petition of protest to the Secretary of State Colin L. Powell.

It was decided to have this petition available for signing by the faithful of our Communities nationwide this Sunday, November 21, 2004, following Divine Liturgy. The signed petitions will then be forwarded appropriately.

The final text, as formulated, follows.


A PETITION TO THE
SECRETARY OF STATE COLIN L. POWELL


We, the undersigned Americans of Greek Orthodox Faith, hereby protest the recent decision of the United States Government to recognize the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (F.Y.R.O.M.) with the name “Republic of Macedonia.” This decision constitutes a de facto acceptance of a falsified and distorted understanding of the history and present reality of a vitally important region in the Balkans. Instability and conflict will surely result from the adoption of such a policy. The name “Macedonia” is historically associated with a large northern province of contemporary Greece that coincides with the ancient territory of Hellenic Macedonia.

Therefore, we register our deep concern and urge our government to reconsider its decisions and facilitate the ongoing process of discussion between Greece and F.Y.R.O.M., under the aegis of the United Nations, for finding a name for F.Y.R.O.M. acceptable to both involved countries. Such a position would certainly advance the cause of peace and justice in the Balkans, an area heavily inhabited by Orthodox faithful.
 

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